,,strange ,,visitors3 ,a ,,series ,,of ,,original ,,papers1 ,,embracing ,,philosophy1 ,,science1 ,,government1 ,,religion1 ,,poetry1 ,,art1 ,,fiction1 ,,satire1 ,,humor1 ,,narrative1 ,,and ,,prophecy4 ,,by ,,the ,,spirits ,,of ,,irving1 ,,willis1 ,,thackeray1 ,,bronte1 ,,richter1 ,,byron1 ,,humboldt1 ,,hawthorne1 ,,wesley1 ,,browning1 ,,and ,,others ,,now ,,dwelling ,,in ,,the ,,spirit ,,world ,,dictated ,,through ,a ,,clairvoyant1 ,,while ,,in ,,an ,,abnormal ,,or ,,trance ,,state4 #ahga ,,table ,,of ,,contents4 ,,henry ,j4 ,,raymond ,to the ,new ,york ,public ,,margaret ,,fuller ,literature in ,spirit ,life ,,lord ,,byron ,to ,his ,accusers ,,nathaniel ,,hawthorne ,apparitions ,,washington ,,irving ,visit to ,henry ,clay ,,napoleon ,,bonaparte ,to ,the ,french ,nation ,w4 ,m4 ,,thackeray ,his ,post ,mortem ,experience ,,archbishop ,,hughes ,two ,natural ,religions ,,edgar ,a4 ,,poe ,the ,lost ,soul ,,jean ,,paul ,,richter ,invisible ,influences ,,charlotte ,,bronte ,agnes ,reef4 ,a ,tale ,,elizabeth ,b4 ,,browning ,to ,her ,husband ,,artemus ,,ward ,in and ,out of ,purgatory ,,lady ,,blessington ,distinguished ,women ,,professor ,,olmstead ,locality of the ,spirit ,world ,,adah ,,isaacs ,,menken ,hold ,me ,not ,n4,p4 ,,willis ,off-,hand ,sketches ,,margaret ,,fuller ,city of ,spring ,garden ,,gilbert ,,stuart ,art ,conversation ,,edward ,,everett ,government ,,frederika ,,bremer ,flight to my ,starry ,home ,,rev4 ,,lyman ,,beecher ,the ,sabbath--,its ,uses ,,prof4 ,,george ,,bush ,life and ,marriage in ,spirit ,life ,,junius ,,brutus ,,booth ,acting by ,spirit ,influence ,,rev4 ,,john ,,wesley ,church of ,christ ,n4 ,p4 ,,willis ,a ,spirit ,revisiting ,earth ,,allan ,,cunningham ,alone ,,baron ,,von ,,humboldt ,the ,earthquake ,,sir ,,david ,,brewster ,naturalness of ,spirit ,life ,h4,t4 ,,buckle ,mormons ,w4,e4 ,,burton ,drama in ,spirit ,life ,,chas4 ,l4 ,,elliott ,painting in ,spirit ,life ,,comedian',s ,,poetry ,rollicking ,song ,,lady ,,hester ,,stanhope ,prophecy ,,professor ,,mitchell ,the ,planets ,,dr4 ,,john ,w4 ,,francis ,causes of ,disease and ,insanity ,,adelaide ,,procter ,the ,spirit ,bride ,,introduction4 ,,by ,,the ,,editor4 ,in placing before the public a work with such novel and extraordinary demands upon its consideration1 a few explanatory words seem appropriate4 ,its title and contents will doubtless at first sight cause a smile of incredulity1 and will be regarded by many as one of the devices which are sometimes put forward to entrap an unsuspecting public into the perusal of a sensational hoax4 ,for a number of years past the community has been surprised with accounts of most incredible marvels2 and from time to time the press has reported various phenomena in connection with an unrecognized force and intelligence1 as occurring in almost every locality throughout the habitable globe4 ,these phenomena are thought by many to be mere illusions1 and by some attributed to peculiar electrical conditions2 while others seek their solution in an abnormal state of the brain2 and others still believe them dependent on an actual intercourse between mortals and those who have passed beyond the grave4 ,having become interested in this mysterious and exciting subject1 and finding the means at hand for testing the various phenomena1 ,i resolved to undertake a series of experiments1 with the hope of exposing a delusion1 if such it were1 or perchance1 of clearing up a mystery which1 by the magnitude and importance it has already assumed1 is disturbing the foundations of old beliefs and steadily diffusing it's theories and doctrines into the very heart of society4 ,among other expedients to attain this end 7assuming the hypothesis that spirits of the departed were in a condition to communicate with mortals71 ,i interrogated1 through the instrumentality of a clairvoyant gifted with the remarkable power of passing at will into an unconscious or trance state1 the spirits of a number of well-known individuals concerning their views and sentiments in their present state of existence4 ,in response to my questions1 an intelligent answer was received from the ,countess ,ossoli 7,margaret ,fuller71 with the assurance that my desire was apprehended and would receive the hearty co-operation of those to whom it was addressed4 ,the process by which the papers were given was that of dictation through the clairvoyant while in an abnormal or trance condition and with her eyes closed4 ,the matter was written in pencil as it fell from her lips1 and subsequently transcribed for the press4 ,the difficulties attending the transmission of ideas through the medium of another mind1 even under ordinary circumstances1 must be apparent to all1 and the unprejudiced reader may readily perceive obstacles to the literal reproduction of their respective styles and language by the various contributors4 ,yet1 notwithstanding the impediments to felicity of expression1 ,i feel assured that persons at all familiar with the characteristics of the originals will readily perceive a marked resemblance in style to that of the authors named4 ,in the delivery of the articles1 their composers would usually assume or personate their own individual characteristics2 thus1 ,artemus ,ward's conversation and gestures were exceedingly ludicrous4 ,he was the very personification of mirth1 occasionally going to the wall and humorously 8chalking out0 his designs4 ,archbishop ,hughes expressed himself in a quiet1 earnest1 and eloquent manner4 ,lady ,blessington was full of vivacity1 and ,margaret ,fuller was our ,presiding ,angel2 while ,booth would become vehement to an intense degree1 and at times would mount some article of furniture in the room1 becoming passionately eloquent1 as if again upon the 8mimic stage of life40 ,an intelligent public will perceive the mental effort incident upon the production of a series of articles so unusually varied2 embracing the distinctive qualities of ,philosophy1 ,science1 ,religion1 ,political ,economy1 ,government1 ,satire1 ,humor1 ,poetry1 ,fiction1 ,narrative1 ,art1 ,astronomy1 etc41 etc42 and the query has fitly been advanced1--what mind1 in the exercise of its normal functions1--has furnished a consecutive number of essays so surprising in novelty1 so diverse in sentiment1 so consistent in treatment1 and so forcibly original1 as those embraced in this volume8 ,what intellect so versatile as to reproduce in song and narrative the characteristic styles of so many1 and yet so dissimilar authors8 ,in designating the locality of the ,second ,life1 frequent repetition of certain terms1 such as spirit world1 etc41 were unavoidable4 ,for weeks and months the unseen visitors were punctual to their appointments1 and this novel mode of book-making proceeded steadily in interest and variety until the volume was completed4 ,the work is now inscribed to a discriminating public1 with a lively confidence that the advanced intelligence and freedom of the age will yield it an ingenuous reception4 ,,henry ,j4 ,,horn4 ,,new ,,york1 ,october #ast1 #ahfi4 ,,strange ,,visitors4 ,,henry ,j4 ,,raymond4 ,,to ,,the ,,new ,,york ,,public4 ,i have often thought that if it should ever be my privilege to become a ghost ,i would enlighten the poor1 benighted denizens of the earth as to how ,i did it1 and give a more definite account of what ,i should see1 and the transformation that would befall me1 than either ,benjamin ,franklin or ,george ,washington had been able to do in the jargon that had been set before me by ,spiritualists as coming from those worthies4 8,stuff60 ,i have exclaimed again and again1 after looking over spirit communications and wondering why a man should become so stilted because he had lost his avoirdupoise4 ,the opportunity which ,i boasted ,i would not let slip has arrived4 ,the public must judge of how ,i avail myself of this ghostly power4 ,now and then ,i was troubled with strange misgivings about the future life4 ,i had a hope that man might live hereafter1 but death was a solemn fact to me1 into whose mystery ,i did not wish too closely to pry4 8,presentiments10 as the great ,english novelist remarks1 8are strange things40 ,that connection with some coming event which one feels like a shadowy hand softly touching him1 is inexplicable to most men4 ,i remember to have felt several times in my life undefined foreshadowings of some future which was to befall me2 and just previous to my departure from earth1 as has been generally stated in the journals of the day1 ,i experienced a similar sensation4 ,an awful blank seemed before me--a great chasm into which ,i would soon be hurled4 ,this undefined terror took no positive shape4 ,after the death of my son ,i felt like one who stood upon a round ball which rolled from under him and left him nowhere4 ,the sudden death of ,james ,harper added another shock to that which ,i had already felt4 ,i did not understand then1 though ,i have since comprehended it1 that ,i was like some great tree1 rooted in the ground1 which could not be dragged from the earth in which it was buried until it had received some sudden blow to loosen its hold and make its grip less tenacious4 ,but in the very midst of these feelings ,i sought the society of friends1 and endeavored around the social board to exhilarate my senses and drown these undesirable fancies4 ,life seemed more secure among friends1 but death was not to be dodged4 ,it caught me unarmed and alone at midnight in the very doorway of my house4 ,i had crossed the threshold1 and remember trying to find the stairs and being seized with a dizziness4 ,the place seemed to spin around and ,i felt that ,i was falling4 ,next1 a great weight seemed to press me down like some horrid nightmare4 ,i endeavored to groan1 to cry out and struggle from under it1 but it held me fast4 ,after this ,i seemed to be falling backward through a blackness--an inky blackness4 ,it came close to me1 and pressed close upon my lips and my eyes4 ,it smothered me2 ,i could not breathe4 ,then ensued a struggle within me such as ,lazarus might have felt when he endeavored to break through his grave cerements4 ,it was frightful1 that effort for mastery6 ,i understand it now4 ,it was the soul fighting its way into birth as a spiritual being1 like a child fighting its way out of its mother's womb4 ,i remember feeling faint and confused after that1 like one who has long been deprived of food4 ,an unconsciousness stole over me for a moment1 from which ,i was awakened by a sudden burst of light4 ,i seemed to open my eyes upon some glorious morning4 ,i felt an arm around me2 ,i turned and met the smiling face of my son4 ,i thought myself in a dream1 and yet ,i was filled with awe4 ,i had a consciousness that some strange transformation had taken place4 ,my son's voice murmured in my ear1 8,father1 go with me now40 ,as he spoke1 his voice sounded like the vibration of distant bells4 ,when he touched me a fire seemed to thrill through my veins4 ,i felt like a boy2 a wild1 prankish sensation of freedom possessed me4 ,my body lay upon the ground4 ,i laughed at it2 ,i could have taken it and tossed it in the air4 8,come1 let's go10 said ,i2 8don't stay here40 ,my chief desire was to get out of the house4 ,like a boy who must fly his kite1 out ,i would go4 ,i feared ,i might be caught and taken back if ,i did not hasten1 and moved toward the door4 ,the seams of that door1 which ,i had always thought well joined1 seemed now to stand twelve inches or more apart4 ,every atom of that wood which had appeared so solid to me was now more porous than any sponge or honey-comb4 ,out we went through the crevice4 ,a party of men were standing upon the doorsteps4 ,one put forth his hand to grasp mine4 ,i laughed aloud when ,i recognized the person as ,james ,harper6 ,another was ,richmond2 another1 one of my associates in the editorial corps4 ,i was perfectly amazed1 and set up a hilarious shout1 which they echoed in great glee4 ,we started forth1 a convivial party4 ,the atmosphere hung in heavy masses around the houses1 like the morning mists about the base of a mountain4 ,we did not walk on the ground2 the air was solid enough to bear us4 ,i felt that we were rising above the city4 ,my senses seemed magnified4 ,the comprehension of all ,i did was very acute4 ,we kept along the earth's atmosphere for quite a distance4 8,let us sail out10 said ,i1 at last4 8,we cannot yet2 we must wait till we reach the current4 ,if we go outside of that1 we may be lost in the intense cold and the poisonous gases1 or we may be swallowed up in the vortex of some flaming comet10 answered my wise companions4 ,the statement looked very reasonable1 so ,i allowed myself to be guided and we soon found ourselves in a great belt of light of a pale rose-color1 in which we sailed seemingly without any effort1 moving the hands and arms at times and at other times folding them across our breasts4 ,as we advanced the channel in which we moved increased in depth and brilliancy of color1 and ,i grew more and more exhilarated4 ,finally we paused and commenced to descend4 ,the air was very luminous1 radiating and scintillating like the flashing of diamonds1 and so electric that the concussion of sound vibrated like the peal from some distant organ4 ,looking down through the glittering atmosphere that surrounded me1 ,i perceived what appeared to be the uplifting peak of a mountain4 ,a halo of light rested upon its summit1 and we seemed drawn toward it with a gentle force4 ,this mountain1 ,i was informed1 was one of a magnetic chain which belts the spirit world4 ,in color and material it was like an opal4 ,i was told that a peculiar sympathy existed between it and the human spirit4 ,when individuals on earth are in juxtaposition with this mountain they feel a strange yearning for the spirit home4 ,now then the mysterious riddle is solved1 thought ,i2 and this must be the spiritual north pole6 ,we soon stood upon terra-firma1 if these translucent rocks could be called terra-firma which rose in glittering and polished peaks all around us4 ,they were wonderfully iridescent1 so that no bed of gorgeously-colored flowers could have filled the eye with a greater variety of tints4 ,a few steps around a projecting bluff brought us within sight of what appeared to me a magnificent palace of alabaster4 ,this palace ,i soon learned was a hotel1 or place of resort for travellers4 ,in ascending its polished steps ,i was met by some half dozen persons whom ,i had known4 ,you may be sure a wonderful handshaking ensued4 ,we remained here but a few moments1 partook of refreshments1 and then proceeded to the court-yard1 where ,i was told a car awaited to carry us to our destination4 ,the car seemed to be a frame-work1 apparently of silver wire4 ,we now comfortably seated ourselves1 when two large wings struck out from it like those of some great condor4 ,we moved rapidly over the acclivity4 ,this is a new way of crossing the mountains1 thought ,i2 ,i will have to introduce it in the ,sierra ,nevada and ,colorados4 ,i inquired how the machine was propelled1 and was informed1 8,simply by a chemical arrangement similar to your galvanic battery40 ,you may conceive my astonishment when we descended into a park of a vast city4 8,my ,god60 exclaimed ,i1 8it cannot be that ,i am in the spirit world6 ,why1 look at the houses and churches1 and temples6 ,what magnificent buildings60 ,but ,i must say the material alone struck me as something sublime and unearthly4 ,so transparent and rich in color1 reflecting light as if through a veil or mist6 8,this caps all10 said ,i1 as doctors and lawyers1 artists and authors1 whom ,i had known1 stepped up to greet me1 smiling and full of life4 8,why1 how is this80 8,is this you80 8,where did you come from80 ,questions like these came from all sides4 ,francis and ,brady1 ,willis1 ,morris1 and a host of ,new ,yorkers who had slipped out of sight and almost out of mind1 now gathered around me as if by miracle4 ,i rubbed my eyes in wonder4 ,spying ,brown1 ,i cried out1 8,why1 how is this1 ,brown8 ,it can't be that ,i am in heaven6 ,do you have such things here8 ,houses1 stores1 and works of art on every side80 8,yes2 people must live10 said he1 8wherever they be40 8,and are men here the same1 with all their faculties80 ,i asked4 8,yes2 why not8 ,have you any you'd like to lose80 ,i shook my head and walked on absorbed in thought4 ,and are all our paraphernalia for funerals1 our solemn black1 and our long prayers but useless ceremonies8 ,why1 according to this1 the beliefs of the ,chinese1 ,hottentot1 ,african1 and ,indian are nearer the truth than our civilized creeds6 ,i find that there are few things in which society in this world so much differs from that of earth as in its social and political arrangements4 ,all the great system of living for appearances1 and the habit of self-deception whereby men live outwardly what their secret lives disavow1 are here entirely done away with4 ,in the first place the marriage relations differ materially from those of earth1 and no false sentiment nor custom1 nor religious belief1 holds together as companions those who are dissimilar in their nature4 ,neither do men crucify their tastes and feelings from a mistaken idea of duty4 ,the miseries and disasters which are attendant on a life on earth they view as a parent would view the whooping-cough or scarlatina which afflict the body of his child--as necessary steps toward his growth and progress from youth to manhood4 ,a remarkable instance of this came under my own observation4 ,you remember that the singular and sudden death of ,abraham ,lincoln was a matter of surprise to us4 ,we could not see the purpose of an all-wise ,providence in this sudden closing of an eventful career4 ,it was discussed in every newspaper in the land1 and the conclusion was that the ,creator had some special purpose in his removal1 and this we all believed4 ,but here the enigma is solved4 ,standing face to face and walking side by side1 as ,i have done for the last few days with this man1 raised as some suppose for the special purpose of freeing the slave--a martyr for principle--,i find that he enjoys as a good joke1 this martyrdom1 and ,i have also ascertained the solemn fact that he was removed1 not by ,god1 but by spirit politicians1 ,god's agents4 ,and the state of the case is this3 the ,southern rebels1 hot-blooded and revengeful1 who were arriving daily by scores and hundreds1 in the spirit world1 finding their cause discomfited and worsted1 became mutinous4 ,they were too raw and new to fall into the harmony of the spirit life1 and they threatened a second war in ,heaven2 a war which those young ,lucifers would have waged with terrific power4 ,to quell this disturbance and produce a counteraction1 it was necessary that one whom they looked upon as the great leader of the ,northern cohorts should be withdrawn from the post which he occupied4 ,a man of calm1 dispassionate judgment1 not vindictive1 who could hold the reins with a firm hand1 yet look with a lenient eye on the follies which he did not share1 was needed in the spirit world1 and that man was ,abraham ,lincoln4 ,when those young ,southern bloods had conspired with their co-patriot to his downfall1 had instigated and accomplished his assassination1 and when he appeared in their midst1 the simple1 unaffected1 uncrafty man that he was1 a revulsion of feeling immediately took place4 ,the liberal party in the spirit world1 friends to humanity and progress1 could have prevented his removal had they wished2 but not desiring to do so1 they prepared his mind by dreams and visions for what was about to take place4 ,for a short time in the spirit world he held the position of ,pacificator and chief ruler over that portion of the ,american1 spirit world represented by the ,north and ,south4 ,but after averting this peril1 which would have involved the ,states in anarchy and war such as they had not yet experienced1 he retired to private life4 ,another instance1 proving that the inhabitants of the spirit world1 like their great prototype1 the ,creator1 do not look at immediate distress1 but at the advantages that may accrue therefrom1 presents itself in my removal from the sphere in which ,i had probably worked out all that would be useful to humanity4 ,like a charg d'affaires called back to ,washington because he can fill a better post1 so ,i1 through the solicitations of relatives and fellow-citizens who have preceded me to this new world1 was called here for the purpose of editing a journal and assisting in ameliorating the condition of the inhabitants of the ,southern ,states1 and also to use my influence in the ,congress and ,senate at ,washington toward producing a better comprehension of their needs4 ,i have one thing to say to my brother journalist1 ,horace ,greeley1 and that is that the ,utopian ideas which have for so many years formed the principal topic of his radical sheet are here put in operation4 ,each one seems desirous of cooperating with his neighbor1 and people of like tastes and feelings associate together and live in vast communities or cities4 ,they do not settle down to one routine1 as they do with you4 ,the cost of travelling depending chiefly on the will and energy of the individual1 the inhabitants are ever in motion1 ever ready for a change1 if wisdom or pleasure should dictate it4 ,the condition of the common people is vastly improved1 and ,america has been the chief agent in placing the lower classes in a condition which adapts them to a higher spiritualized life4 ,i say lower classes1 because under the system of monarchical governments1 the peasants and laborers of ,europe have been kept in a state of besotted ignorance1 developing chiefly in the animal propensities1 and not fitting themselves for the higher enjoyments of the spirit life4 ,finding that the spirit world was likely to be overrun by this class of ignorant and superstitions people1 its wise rulers have instigated the legislators of the ,united ,states to provide means for the education and development of these lower classes of society4 ,it is only by assimilating with those of a higher intellectual development that the ignorant become enlightened1 and ,america1 in throwing down all barriers to political and social advancement1 has been the chief instrument of lifting the great mass of humanity to a position of power in the spirit world2 still there are crowds of beings1 ignorant and superstitious1 who enter the spirit world1 and their intellects can only be unfolded by the labor and guidance of some master mind4 ,i was surprised to find that physical labor here1 as on earth1 was one of the chief means employed to assist in mental growth2 and ,i found swarms of ,english1 ,irish1 and ,german people happily at work1 cultivating the land and erecting houses for themselves and others1 and assisting in the great machinery of life1 which here1 as in the other world1 revolves its constant round4 ,i had nearly forgotten to mention that since leaving your world ,i returned on one occasion to attend a sance1 as it is termed1 for physical manifestations1 and had the pleasure of seeing how our chemists combine from the elements the semblance of the human form4 ,i had been interested when on earth in an experiment recently made by scientific men1 whereby1 through a peculiar combination of metals1 a flame is caused to assume the shapes of flowers1 leaves1 fishes1 and reptiles1 apparently developed from the air1 and ,i discovered an intelligent solution of the remarkable experiment in the manifestations ,i witnessed at this sance4 ,it appears that every particle in nature throws off a gaseous emanation1 partaking of its particular shape4 ,these gaseous particles are not discernible with the material eye1 excepting when by chance they coalesce1 and then a phosphorescent light ensues1 which renders them apparent4 ,a similar effect to this is seen in electricity1 which lies latent and viewless till by a sudden coalescing of its parts it manifests itself in zigzag lines and flashes of light which illuminate the heavens4 ,now certain material bodies have the power of drawing those atoms in close affinity1 and when they are thus drawn1 the shapes alluded to are clearly discernible by the human eye4 ,i discovered another fact1 and that is that every human being emits a light1 and in the case of those called 8mediums10 it is intense like the ,drummond light1 and a spirit standing in its rays will become visible to mortal sight4 ,these experiments interested me highly1 as they had been heretofore inexplicable to my mind4 ,apropos of the topics of to-day1 ,i must here relate what ,i have heard of the 8,lord ,byron scandal10 which is creating so marked a sensation at present4 ,i am told by ,byron and others that ,lady ,byron1 recently arriving in the spirit world and finding matters very different from what she had expected1 and that she was received nowhere as the wife of ,lord ,byron 7who having resided there some thirty years had formed a new and happy alliance71 was stung with jealousy and vexation and hastened to inspire ,mrs4 ,stowe to repeat the story which had become a matter of faith with her1 hoping thereby to inflict a punishment on ,byron1 who ignored his relation to her4 ,if she had waited until she had resided a little longer in spirit life she would not have pursued so foolish a course4 ,but ,i must bring this long letter to a close1 assuring my friends that ,i have the prospect of as active a life before me as the one ,i have just closed on earth4 ,,margaret ,,fuller4 ,,literature ,,in ,,spirit ,,life4 ,to a mind familiar with the literature of the ancient ,greeks and ,romans1 which has studied the ,scandinavian ,edda1 and is intimate with the more modern ,german1 ,french1 and ,english authors1 the literature of the spirit world opens up a mine of interminable wealth4 ,the libraries in this world are vast catacombs or repositories of buried knowledge4 ,here are found histories of decayed races1 dynasties1 and nations which have vanished from earth1 leaving scarce a monument of their progress in art1 science1 and mental culture4 ,in these libraries the student of history will find the exploits of ancient peoples recorded1 and a description of their cities1 with the temples and towers which they built and the colossal images which they created4 ,i own to the surprise which ,i experienced when ,i discovered that printed books were a part of the treasures of the spirit world4 ,but the scholar will rejoice as ,i did to find the literary productions of remotest ages garnered in the spacious halls of science that adorn our cities4 ,it is a principle of being--a condition of immortality--as inseparable from spirit existence as from earth life1 that thought should express itself in external forms4 ,even the ,great ,spirit1 the ,creator of all1 gives shape to his thoughts in the formation of trees1 flowers1 men1 beasts1 and myriad worlds with their constant motion1 their sound and song4 ,it has been aptly said that the 8stars are the poetry of ,god40 ,he1 the ,great ,spirit of all1 writes his thoughts legibly2 and so man1 like his originator1 whether living in the natural body or existing as a spirit1 gives outward shape to his ideas2 hence books become a necessity of spirit existence1 and the writers from earth have still a desire to perpetuate their thoughts4 ,oral communication is too evanescent1 and therefore the dear old books still find a place in the spheres4 ,there are various modes of making these volumes1 and the writer may become his own printer4 ,some authors prefer to dictate1 and a little instrument marks off the variations of sound which make the word1 and thus1 as he speaks1 the word is impressed on the sheet4 ,others1 if the thought be clear and distinct enough1 and the will sufficiently under abeyance1 act through the mind upon a conductor1 which dots down the thought in a manner somewhat similar to telegraphic printing4 ,the material used to receive the impression is of a soft1 vellum-like nature1 which can be folded up in any manner without destroying its form2 it is very light and thin1 but opaque1 like the creamy petals of a lily4 ,the phonetic alphabet is used extensively1 though we have many books printed in the mode usually adopted on earth4 ,all nature is constantly changing and progressing4 ,the bards who sang upon the earth centuries ago--,homer1 ,virgil1 the ,greek and ,roman1 the ,celtic and ,saxon writers of old--have passed beyond the spirit sphere which ,i inhabit to a spirit planet still more refined1 and have left behind only the records of their strange experience4 ,the eighteenth century cannot walk side by side with the third or fourth century more readily in the spirit world than on earth4 ,the character of the spirit literature of the present day is essentially scientific and explorative4 ,we have in our world1 as you have in yours1 intrepid travellers--learned men1 who make voyages to almost inaccessible planets--and they return even as those of earth1 with sketches and graphic outlines of the strange sights they have witnessed2 and those less venturesome who remain at home are as anxious as your citizens might be to hear accounts of wonderful regions that have been visited4 ,and such books of travel are sought eagerly4 ,we have but few works on theology2 the nature and essence of ,god is discussed with us1 but not so elaborately as with you4 ,spirits who have passed into a second life have so nearly approached the mystery of a ,divine ,being that they do not desire to debate the subject4 ,a large proportion of our writers are devoted to what you would here term transcendental thought1 a kind of literature which lies between poetry and music1 which awakens a feeling of ecstasy1 and gives1 as it were1 wings to the soul4 ,the poets who sang upon earth during the last century1 of whom ,shelly1 ,keats1 and ,byron are an ,english type1 and ,halleck1 ,pierrepont1 ,dana1 and ,willis the ,american representatives1 are among the most inspired and far-reaching of our present writers of poetry and song4 ,our literature has one great advantage over that of earth1 in that our separate nationalities become merged in one grand unit4 ,we do not need translators1 as we have adopted a universal written language4 ,there are some writers who still retain1 as ,i have said1 the modes adopted on earth1 but those who have been resident any length of time in the spirit sphere employ the plan of writing by signs1 which are understood and acknowledged by every nationality4 ,i should like1 in closing1 to introduce an extract from an old volume which ,i found in a library in the city of ,spring ,garden4 ,it was written by ,addison during his sojourn in that city1 in the year #agbj1 and is in the form of a letter1 supposed to be written to a friend on earth4 ,in it he essays to portray the expansion of mind he has experienced in his new home through the magnetic influence of thought language3 8,behold the far off luminary suspended millions and billions and trillions of miles in space2 then turn the eye yonder and see that infinitesimal point of vegetation1 earth--a speck1 countless multitudes of which heaped and piled together would form but a point compared with that majestic sun6 8,yet behold it move and expand beneath the long fibrous rays which that effulgent orb sends down through so many billions of miles to the place of its minute existence4 ,even as that poor little existence shoots out its fibres to meet those rays which have travelled such great lengths1 so a spirit in the spheres feels the quickening1 effulgent rays thrown out by the brain of some prophet or poet existing millions and billions and trillions of miles away on some distant spirit planet1 and his thought expands and enlarges beneath the warming action of that far-off brain1 until it assumes a shape and form which its own emulation never prophesied40 ,,byron4 ,,to ,,his ,,accusers4 ,i4 ,my soul is sick of calumny and lies3 ,men gloat on evil--even woman's hand ,will dabble in the mire1 nor heed the cries ,of the poor victim whom she seeks to brand ,in thy sweet name1 ,religion1 through the land6 ,like the keen tempest she doth strip her prey1 ,tossing him bare and wrecked upon the strand1 ,while vaunting her misdeeds before the day1 ,bearing a monument which crumbles like the clay4 ,,ii4 ,my sister1 have ,i lived to see thy name ,dishonored8 ,thou1 who wast my pride1 my stay2 ,shall ,jealousy and ,fraud thy love defame ,and ,i be dumb8 ,just ,heaven1 let a ray ,from thy majestic light illume earth's clay1,a ,that through her ,i may scorch the slander vile1 ,and light throughout the land a torch to-day1 ,which shall reveal how false and full of guile ,are they who seek thy name1 ,augusta1 to defile4 ,footnote ,a3 ,the ,clairvoyant4 ,,iii4 ,she who has borne my title and my name1 ,in deeds fraternal saw some monster crime2 ,to her base level sought my heart to tame1 ,made mock of each aspiring thought sublime1 ,and sought to bury me beneath the slime ,of her imaginings4 ,all--all are gone ,who could defend me4 ,from the grave of time ,i am unearth'd--by sland'rous miscreants torn1 ,and rise to feel again the ills ,i once have borne4 ,,iv4 ,is this a ,christian deed1 to flaunt a vice1 ,and with another's failings gild your own8 ,to hearken to the whisperings and device ,of old age1 selfish1 to suspicion grown8 ,to misconstrue each friendly look--each tone-- ,and out of natural love create vile lust8 ,must brother's heart his very kin disown1 ,while rudest hand disturbs her mouldering dust8 ,is this a ,christian deed8 ,shall mankind call it just8 ,v4 ,but let that pass4 ,i hear a nation's voice ,raised to defend the absent1 wronged child2 ,my hopes and aims were high1 albeit my choice ,was fixed on one who felt not for my wild ,and wayward nature2 one who never smiled ,on imperfection4 ,from my home of light ,unscathed1 ,i see life's blackening billows piled1 ,ready to sweep the daring soul from sight1 ,sinking his name and memory in darkest night4 ,,vi4 ,i rise again above the woes of earth1 ,like unchained bird1 seeking my native air4 ,men seldom see their fellow-creatures' worth1 ,but blot sweet nature's page1 however fair4 ,away1 my soul1 and seek thy nobler state1 ,where loving angels breathe their softest prayer1 ,where sweetest seraphs for thy coming wait1 ,and ne'er suspicion's breath can pass the ,golden ,gate4 ,,nathaniel ,,hawthorne4 ,,apparitions4 ,returning one evening from a visit to a friend on earth1 ,i was impelled to take a route with which ,i was unfamiliar4 ,it led me far beyond the habitations of the city1 into an open country whose surface was diversified by sloping hills and broad valleys4 ,the sun was quite low in the horizon1 and dark purple clouds1 gathering in the west1 indicated an approaching storm4 ,anxious to reach my spirit-home before such an event1 ,i was nevertheless compelled to keep within the earth's atmosphere4 ,the aspect of the country became more uneven as ,i advanced1 and the disappearing sun threw out the hills in cold blue relief against the evening sky4 ,one peak to the northward stood high and isolated from the surrounding hills1 and was crowned by a spacious dwelling house2 the high peaked roof and dark gloomy color of its exterior comported strangely with the landscape4 ,to this building an unseen influence drew me4 ,as ,i approached nearer ,i discovered the figure of a man walking with restless step upon the piazza which surrounded the dwelling4 ,at times he would suspend his walk1 and crouch1 shuddering as with fear1 against the shadowed balustrade4 ,his face was of ashy paleness1 and his hair1 black as night1 fell in neglected masses around his head4 ,his eyes were bright and glassy1 and their expression frightful to look upon4 ,unconscious of my proximity1 he arose from his crouching position1 stood for a moment irresolute1 and then walked up to the heavy oaken1 door and knocked4 ,presently the door was opened by a lady2 she looked out1 but could see no one4 8,it must have been the wind10 said she1 shuddering slightly1 and drawing her shawl closely around her1 was about to close the door4 ,but before she could accomplish her purpose the unseen guest had entered1 with myself following closely behind1 hoping to give comfort where it appeared most sorely needed4 ,up a broad staircase he ascended and at a chamber door he paused--then entered4 ,i followed4 ,his presence seemed to cause the very furniture to shake and rattle4 8,here10 thought ,i1 8,i will solve the enigma4 ,here1 without doubt1 has occurred some grand disturbance of nature4 ,the walls of this apartment1 its casements1 its decorations1 have been witness to some fell crime4 ,the spectre of evil impresses itself upon matter40 ,while reflecting upon this wonderful law1 which all my life ,i had perceived dimly1 ,i observed with care the evidently unhappy man4 ,a bedstead of rich workmanship occupied one side of the apartment4 ,rushing toward it he burst forth in a cry of frenzy1 swaying his hands fearfully and ejaculating and groaning in most piteous accents4 ,at this juncture steps were heard outside ascending the stairs1 and several members of the household entered1 bearing lights4 ,they looked about the room1 at first timidly2 then1 gathering courage1 peered under the bed1 opened closets1 and scrutinized every nook and corner of the apartment4 ,foiled in their efforts to discover the inmate they turned to each other with amazement4 8,i am positive the sounds came from this room10 said one4 8,there is no one to be seen here10 replied another2 8what can it mean80 ,the culprit stood in the corner1 gesticulating violently1 but they with their mortal eyes could not see him4 ,they passed close to him1 but their lighted candles could not reveal the shadowless6 ,having satisfied themselves that the room was tenantless1 they departed4 ,then ,i approached the unhappy wretch3 8,friend10 said ,i1 8let me aid you4 ,unburden your woo to me2 ,i too have suffered and am not without sin40 ,casting his eyes upon me now for the first time1 the man scowled with dogged sullenness1 and said3 8,i want no help40 8,nay10 said ,i1 8your looks belie your words2 come1 go with me to my quiet cottage2 there you shall refresh yourself2 you shall sleep to-night in peace40 8,peace60 he repeated scornfully4 8,i know no peace2 nor can ,i leave this spot till every eye beholds the horrid deed that ,i committed here40 8,friend10 said ,i1 8tell me the nature of your crime2 reveal to me your secret and your heart will be lighter for it40 8,ha6 ha60 he answered1 his voice dying away in a low wail4 8,look upon that wall opposite the bed2 it will speak better than ,i can40 ,i looked1 and beheld a faint photograph or impression of the couch1 with its handsome drapery4 ,upon it reclined the figure of a female1 and bending over her appeared the form of a man1 whose livid face and black1 disordered hair ,i recognized as an unmistakable reflection of the unfortunate man before me4 8,you see that #8the very stones cry out against me1'0 said he4 8,every night for two years have ,i enacted that same scene1 and ,i am held by some unseen1 influence to this baneful spot40 8,tell me your story10 said ,i2 8hide nothing--,i am your friend40 ,he ran his thin fingers through his tangled hair1 and with a voice husky with emotion answered3 8,i will tell you4 ,some years ago1 when a young man1 haughty and passionate1 ,i had the misfortune to love a girl whose youth and beauty proved my bane1 and in a moment of recklessness ,i married her4 ,in her nature were mingled the qualities of the serpent and the dove4 ,she was my inferior1 and ,i could not own her outwardly nor inwardly as my wife2 but1 unhappily for the peace of both1 ,i could not rid myself of her4 ,i gave her money1 but it availed not2 she was ignorant1 and persisted in following me40 ,here the man looked around with a nervous air1 as if he expected to see the unwelcome face peering at him through the shadows4 8,to avoid her10 he continued1 8,i secretly purchased this dwelling1 remote from the place of her abode4 ,there ,i lived for a brief time1 happy2 a new life with loftier purposes dawned upon me2 ,i formed another attachment--a higher and more noble one4 8,one evening as ,i was walking upon the balcony thinking of my new-found joys1 a figure came creeping up through the shrubbery towards me4 ,to my amazement it proved to be the girl who claimed me4 8,when ,i saw her1 rage entered my heart1 and ,i felt as if ,i could annihilate her4 ,but1 suppressing all show of feeling1 ,i went with her into the house1 and appointed her this room for the night4 ,a demoniac idea had presented itself to my mind2 it came unsought1 but under the excitement of the moment it seemed like a good angel of deliverance4 8,to further this idea1 ,i lay down beside her4 ,presently she fell into a light slumber4 ,at first a slight expression of pleasure played upon her lips1 but ere long the fatigue of her journey overcame her1 and she slept heavily4 8,then10 said he1 his countenance assuming a convulsive and ghastly aspect1 8,i arose on tiptoe1 and collecting the heavy comforters and large downy pillows of the bed1 ,i deliberately piled them on her one upon the other1 and pressing them down with all my gathered force1 ,i stifled her in her sleep6 8,no cry1 no groan from my victim betrayed the unhallowed deed1 and before the first dawn of day ,i was driving furiously over the road to the river's bank1 from which into the watery depth below ,i threw this millstone of my life4 8,when ,i drove back the morning had dawned4 ,the daylight seemed to pry into the secrets of the past night4 ,i would fain shun it--the garish light disturbed me4 ,the morning sun1 which had ever been my delight1 seemed now a mocking imp of curiosity2 the house and grounds looked bare and desolate2 a blight had fallen upon their former comeliness4 8,a strange fascination again drew me into the chamber which had been the scene of my crime4 ,when there ,i re-enacted the last night's work4 ,the bed and furniture seemed to come toward me and taunt me with the fell crime ,i had committed4 #8,i was justified in the act1' said ,i to these dumb accusers1 as though they had been1 living witnesses4 #8,she was the bane of my existence4' ,and with cunning precision ,i arranged the disordered room1 smoothed the pillows1 and levelled the coverlet4 #8,the dead cannot speak1' said ,i4 #8,this thing is hidden4' 8,after this performance ,i went forth1 hoping by a sharp walk to drown the memory of the momentary deed4 ,i passed through the garden and reached the sloping hill4 ,there1 where the low fence joined the open road1 ,i was met by the lady whom ,i loved4 ,she was taking the morning air1 and with her smiling face seemed drinking in its balmy freshness4 8#8,you look ill1' said she1 with a pitying glance4 #8,see what ,i have brought for you1' and she held forth a newly-plucked bouquet of flowers4 8,i took the proffered blossoms hurriedly1 dreading to meet her clear eye1 which ,i felt must surely read my guilt4 ,burying the flowers in my breast1 and with an effort to smile that sickened me1 ,i bowed low to the ground and hurried on4 8,when beyond her sight ,i drew the nosegay from its hiding place--it was withered as if scorched by a burning heat6 ,upon looking closer at this strange phenomena1 ,i beheld1 to my horror1 in dim outline1 the face of the murdered6 ,whence came the impression8 ,had my riotous heart burnt the secret upon those blushing petals8 8,frantically ,i tore open my shirt1 when lo6 upon my breast ,i beheld imprinted a picture of the direful deed--seared in by rays more potent than the sun's--photographed there1 as if by the lightning's fierce stroke6 8,presently a band of children on their way to school overtook me1 and began to whisper to each other as they passed4 ,i saw that they looked at me with suspicion in their eyes4 #8,they too can see the brand1' thought ,i2 #8they are mouthing about it now4' 8,urged to desperation1 ,i plunged into a thicket near by4 ,amid a group of trees in its centre1 one lifted itself higher and straighter than its companions4 ,upon its topmost branch1 as ,i chanced to lift my eyes1 ,i beheld to my terror the woman whom ,i had sent into eternity1 looking down upon me with scoffs and grimaces6 8,the ghostly apparition wrought me to frenzy4 ,in hot haste ,i climbed the tree4 ,its straight1 smooth sides1 under ordinary circumstances would have proved a barrier to my efforts1 but in my excitement they formed no obstacle4 ,reaching the top1 ,i endeavored to grasp her4 ,stretching out my arms and clasping frantically the air1 ,i fell dead to the ground4 8,thus was ,i born into the spirit world4 ,the idea that last possessed me on earth1 first possessed me in the spirit life4 8,no mortal man can describe the horror ,i experienced on finding myself in the midst of a boundless space1 face to face with mine enemy4 ,her narrow intellect and strong animal nature seemed to have expanded1 even as ,i have seen the face of a child expand from pleasing infancy into idiotic youth4 ,this animal part of her immortality roused my ire--struck some savage chord in my nature--and ,i rose up like a wild beast to attack her2 but the creature laughed and jeered at my vain efforts4 ,she led me thus1 in fruitless pursuit1 further and further into space2 inciting me on by her taunts and ringing laugh1 until ,i found myself in a dark and noisome pit1 when she suddenly vanished4 8,ignorant of the peculiarities of spirit condition1 ,i could not grope my way out of this place1 which appeared to me a very hell4 ,i wandered in this gloomy labyrinth1 breathing the foul air1 and uttering fearful cries which struck my ears with anguish4 ,black1 threatening shapes appeared to stand in the intricate windings of that gloomy cavern1 ready to seize me if ,i dared to essay my escape4 ,when my agony had reached its utmost bounds of endurance1 ,i felt myself growing strangely light1 and like some thin vapor ,i ascended to the mouth of the pit and made my exit into the outer air4 8,the place ,i then discovered to be merely a cavern or deserted mine1 but to my unhappy condition of mind it had appeared as the home of the damned4 8,out into space again1 ,i saw afar off1 as across the continent1 the dwelling where ,i had passed the last days of my eventful life4 ,a current of air like the shock from an electric wire carried me back to the spot4 8,returned to the scene of my crime1 ,i became possessed with the desire to expose to view the deed ,i had committed1 and to reveal my villany to the community4 ,for two weary years ,i have hovered around this place for that purpose2 but ,i have failed hitherto1 as you have seen me fail to-night40 ,as he finished his narrative ,i observed he seemed about to relax into a morbid condition again4 ,to prevent this1 ,i seized him kindly by the shoulder and exclaimed1 8,friend1 you must come with me4 ,your life1 your future welfare is imperiled4 ,you are like one shut up in a vault1 breathing his own exhalations4 ,you do not understand the science of mind40 8,the science of mind80 said he4 8,what have ,i to do with that8 ',tis the curse of ,cain resting upon me4 ,i cannot undo the evil that ,i have done4 ,i am an outcast60 8,the wrong you have done10 said ,i1 8becomes doubly1 trebly magnified by thus living it over day by day4 ,you have committed a crime4 ,do you wish to perpetuate that crime8 ,you pursue the very course to make it permanent and enduring4 ,mind acts upon matter and matter reacts upon mind4 ,you have made the house a partner to the deed you have committed by constantly associating it with the act4 ,you have tainted its walls and poisoned it within and without4 8,it becomes sentient and reacts upon you4 ,it becomes a magnet1 a loadstone to draw you4 ,your constant habit of associating it in your mind with the past1 creates around it an atmosphere which is a part of your being and welds you to it1 so that you1 the house1 and the deed1 become one mighty monster1 inseparable4 ,the idea that you can expiate the deed by this self-torture is vain4 ,you can neither confer good upon yourself nor your victim4 ,leave off and follow me40 ,these last words seemed to have the desired effect1 for he raised his eyes with a sad smile1 placed his hand in mine1 and said3 8,i will go with you40 ,happy that my efforts proved availing1 ,i hurried on in a joyous mood1 soon rising above the earth and bearing my companion to my spirit home4 ,the pure air of the fragrant fields revived him1 and by the time we arrived at my own garden-home he seemed born into a new life4 ,i set him down under my arbor1 now dripping with golden fruits1 and having refreshed him with cordial 7angels' food71 ,i called his attention to the beauties around us2 the birds1 the flowers1 and the luxurious growth of nature1 which shed such abundance around my home4 8,see10 said ,i1 8how nature works4 ,if the roots of the tree meet with obstacles they start off in another direction4 ,they do not wind and wind themselves around one spot4 ,if they did death would ensue4 8,in every man's life there are deeds to be regretted--wrongs which he would gladly undo--but painful imaginings and fruitless remorse will not set them right4 ,only by being actively engaged in some nobler direction can atonement be made4 8,this woman1 whom you have injured1 is in magnetic rapport with you2 and while you are in this moody1 self-denunciatory frame of mind1 your restless1 unhappy condition acts upon her1 preventing her from becoming contented and happy2 then her state reacts back upon you1 and thus an evil equilibrium is maintained40 8,i see my error10 he exclaimed4 8,tell me what to do and ,i will do it40 ,it was arranged that he should remain with me4 ,we worked together2 he became happy and his mind no longer reverted to the past1 but active and healthful employment engaged his hours4 ,when he had recovered sufficiently ,i took him to see his former companion4 ,he found her in a pleasant home1 looking buoyant and happy4 ,all that was demoniac had vanished from her face4 ,surprised1 he burst into tears as he beheld her4 8,weep not10 said she1 8for ,i am happy now4 ,the past is forgotten40 ,they compared notes1 and found that peace had entered into her soul when he had obliterated the past from his memory and commenced his labors in a new life4 ,thus we see that the evil passions and attributes of one nature may awaken and kindle like passions in another1 which can only be subdued by letting them pass unnoticed1 and also by arousing the higher faculties into activity4 ,,washington ,,irving4 ,,visit ,,to ,,henry ,,clay4 ,having recovered my health after a sojourn of two weeks amid the charming scenery of ,mount ,rosalia1 or the 8,rose-colored ,mount10 ,i set forth one morning1 accompanied by a competent guide1 to visit the home of my friend1 ,henry ,clay4 ,the morning was uncommonly fine1 even for the sweet ,land of the ,blest1 and the fragrance from the roses blooming upon the hill-side was fairly intoxicating4 ,our phaeton was a small1 white1 swan-shaped carriage1 ornamented with golden designs1 and propelled by a galvanic battery in the graceful swan-head1 which at my request took the place of the ordinary steed4 ,this was1 to me1 an exceedingly novel mode of travel1 which my short sojourn in the spirit world had prevented me from before enjoying4 ,we glided over the electric ground with the speed of lightning and smooth harmony of music4 ,the road over which we rolled was white and lustrous as parian marble1 and adorned on either side with most rare and beautiful forms of foliage2 ever and anon we passed gay cavalcades and bands of spirits1 who were evidently1 from their festal garments1 and the bright emanations which they diffused through the air1 bound for some harmonial gathering on one of the numerous islands which dot the sparkling river ,washingtonia1 so named after ,george ,washington4 ,the distance from the point whence ,i started1 according to earth's computation1 was over one hundred miles2 but though ,i desired my guide to move onward as slowly as possible1 that ,i might enjoy the prospect before me1 we reached our destination in less than a quarter of an hour6 ,i had received a special invitation from ,henry ,clay to visit him on this occasion1 as he had called together some choice friends to give me welcome2 yet1 although ,i knew ,i was expected1 my surprise cannot be described upon beholding the air filled with bevies of beautiful ladies1 like radiant birds1 approaching1 with the sound of music and flutter of flowers1 to receive me4 ,thus surrounded and escorted1 ,i was borne to the noble palace 7for such it may be justly termed7 of ,henry ,clay4 ,the structure is of white alabaster1 faced with a pale yellow semi-transparent stone1 which glistened most gorgeously4 ,the form of the building is unlike any order of architecture with which ,i had been acquainted4 ,the avenue by which it was approached was decorated alternately with statues of representative ,americans1 and a peculiar flowering tree1 whose green leaves and yellow blossoms1 of gossamer texture1 resembled the fine mist of a summer morning4 ,terminating1 this avenue was the main entrance1 surmounted by the grand dome of the edifice4 ,in the rear of this rotunda1 extending on either side1 appeared the main building1 rising1 turret on turret1 like a stupendous mountain of alabaster beaming as with soft moonlight in the clear summer air4 ,we entered by ascending a staircase composed of twelve broad steps4 ,and here let me pause1 before recounting my interview with the celebrated statesman1 to describe the main hall1 whose magnificence ,i1 upon entering1 hastily surveyed1 but which ,i afterward studied more completely4 ,the floor of this hall was formed of delicate cerulean blue gems4 ,from its centre sprang1 like a fountain1 a most wonderful representation of a flowering plant resembling the lotus1 composed of precious and brilliant stones4 ,the green leaves forming the base were of transparent emerald1 and the white lily which surmounted the stem blossomed out clearer than any crystal4 ,the yellow centre1 corresponding to the pistils1 formed a divan4 ,this beautiful ornament was intended for the desk of the orator4 ,the dome1 which was several hundred feet high1 was open to the summer sky1 and arranged in tiers graduated one above the other4 ,the lower tier was filled with paintings indicating the progress of the ,united ,states of ,america4 ,surmounting this was a gallery of small compartments1 each hung with silver and gold gauze drapery1 and similar in construction to the boxes of a theatre2 these opened into halls or alleys leading to private apartments connecting with the main building4 ,above these boxes were placed artistically-carved animals1 representing the native beasts of ,america4 ,above these again1 appeared groups in marble of the fruits of the country4 ,no sooner had ,i entered the building which ,i have been describing1 than a peculiar rushing sound like distant music reached my ear2 on lifting my eyes in the direction of the sound1 ,i beheld descending through the air the majestic form of ,henry ,clay4 ,he approached with extended hand and fascinating smile to receive me4 ,how like and yet how unlike the famous man ,i had known on earth6 ,the gray hair of age had given place to the abundant glossy locks of youth4 ,the intellectual eye beamed with a new life and his whole person sent forth an effulgence most attractive4 ,those of my readers who knew him on earth will well remember the peculiar fascination of his sphere1 but they can form from the remembrance but a slight idea of the attractive aura he sheds forth in this existence4 ,i immediately felt myself drawn by an invisible power toward him4 ,he grasped my hand with the frank cordiality and grace of former days1 and leading me thus1 we arose together and1 passing through one of the arched compartments of the upper tier1 entered another portion of the building4 ,as we moved on ,i seemed to live portions of my earthly life1 long past4 ,the gorgeous and fantastic architecture which everywhere met my eye reminded me of the halls of the ,alhambra4 ,swiftly passing1 we emerged through a spacious arch upon an open arbor1 where were congregated the priests whom ,i had been invited to meet4 ,i started back with a shock of delight when ,i beheld1 in the centre of the group1 the immortal figure of ,george ,washington4 ,i knew him instantly1 partly from the likenesses which had been extant on earth1 and partly from the noble spirit which emanated like a sun from his person4 ,the group parted as we entered and ,i immediately felt1 resting upon my shoulder like a benediction1 the soft1 firm hand of the ,father of his ,country4 8,washington60 ,i exclaimed1 fervidly grasping his hand4 8,at length we have met60 he responded1 and a smile of ineffable joy lighted his countenance4 ,he then spoke of the many changes through which the ,united ,states had passed since his removal to the spirit land4 ,i was surprised at the extent of knowledge he displayed4 ,not the slightest variation in the scale of political economy had escaped his notice4 ,he expressed himself pleased especially at the great progress and development of the people within the last twenty years4 ,he alluded to their rapid march through the western territories2 the founding of new and important ,states2 the development of the agricultural and mineral resources of countries supposed to be almost valueless2 of the invention and construction of machinery adapted to the wants and necessities of those new and rapidly-increasing ,states4 8,this marvellous growth is owing to their being essentially a mediumistic people--is it not so80 said he1 smiling and turning to the assembled guests4 8,yes1 yes60 ,i heard repeated on all sides4 ,on this commenced a general conversation4 ,i listened as one in a dream4 ,around me ,i beheld the faces and forms of the heroes of past history1 each bearing the shape and semblance of humanity1 though removed from earth millions of miles into space4 ,one and all emitted1 like stars1 their own peculiar luminous aura4 ,collected in motley groups were ,benjamin ,franklin1 ,john ,hancock1 ,william ,penn1 ,old ,general ,jackson1 ,john ,jacob ,astor1 ,de ,witt ,clinton1 and many of the old ,knickerbocker residents of ,new ,york2 with ,sir ,robert ,peel1 ,lord ,brougham1 the ,duke of ,wellington1 ,hunt1 ,keats1 ,byron1 ,scott1 ,cowper1 ,hume1 ,goethe1 ,de ,stael1 ,mrs4 ,hemans1 and many others4 8,the people of ,america have progressed to an astonishing degree10 said a musical voice at my left4 8,we must initiate ,irving into the means by which we impart knowledge to the mediumistic nation through the ,cabinet at ,washington40 8,certainly10 responded ,henry ,clay4 8,let all formalities cease4 ,we will partake of refreshments1 and then ,franklin will make him acquainted with the wonderful aids to science and humanity with which he has supplied my residence40 ,as he ceased speaking1 a shower of sound1 like the music from the ringing of innumerable crystal bells1 filled the air4 ,accompanying this1 and apparently descending from the ceiling1 a soft light of aromatic odor diffused itself through the apartment4 ,this was followed by the appearance of a shining disk of amber and pearl1 revolving rapidly in its descent till it reached the congregated party4 ,this magic circle 7which ,thomas ,hood1 who was present1 facetiously termed the 8wheel of fortune07 was supplied with refreshments truly supernal4 ,here were fruits of most brilliant dyes2 some of soft1 pulpy flesh1 and others of the consistency of honey2 some more transparent than the diamonds of earth2 others substantial1 seemingly intended to supply the demands of hunger4 ,here were confections resembling foam and cloud1 whose very taste was elysium4 ,the guests ate and chatted vivaciously4 ,i received much information concerning the various products of this great land which were displayed upon the table4 ,the most luscious fruits1 ,i considered1 both in flavor and quality1 were those produced on an island in the spirit land corresponding to your island of ,cuba1 which was under the protection of a band of spirits called the 8,good ,sisters40 ,the company having regaled themselves at the table1 arose and divided into groups1 laughing and chatting like ordinary mortals4 ,i felt immediately attracted to a cluster of which ,benjamin ,franklin was the magnetic centre4 ,i reminded him of the duties imposed on him by our host1 and told him playfully that ,i desired to investigate the mysteries of this wonderful palace4 ,he cordially acquiesced1 and1 in company with a few friends1 we commenced our explorations4 ,i inquired as to the construction of the table from which we had just arisen1 so superior to the cumbersome ones of earth4 8,it is a very simple contrivance10 he smilingly remarked4 8,you observe inserted in these twisted columns1 ornamented with leaves1 which support the ceiling1 an electric wire1 similar to that of a telegraph4 ,from each of these central columns1 this wire connects with the upper gallery4 ,here10 said he1 pointing to one of the leafy ornaments1 8you perceive the means of communicating4 ,unobserved by you1 our gracious host touched one of these springs which are connected with the crystal bells1 and announced to his servants his desire for refreshments40 8,servants60 exclaimed ,i4 8,how singular6 ,i little supposed1 from the religious teachings ,i had received1 that there would be menials in heaven60 8,thee has a poor memory10 remarked ,william ,penn1 with a bright smile1 8,did not the ,bible teach thee that there was an upper and a lower seat8 ,these servants are composed mostly of those who were held in slavery on earth and who desire to receive instruction that they may progress in the spheres4 ,they are willing assistants2 giving1 that they may receive in return4 ,if thee dislike the term #8servant1' thee may use the term #8friend1' for they are friends and co-workers4 ,through those doors in the gallery they bring the refreshments which they gather from the hanging gardens without1 where they live like the ,peries of the ,east4 ,the luxury of the princes of earth cannot compare with the life of enjoyment and freedom led by those whom ,i have termed #8servants4'0 ,i here took the opportunity to ask ,franklin if it was necessary1 in communicating with absent individuals1 to use those external appliances8 8,not always2 thought can commune with thought if upon the same plane2 but a mind like that of our great statesman cannot readily communicate with one whose mind on earth never rose above the domestic affairs of life4 ,in such cases1 external means are necessary40 8,come10 said he1 turning2 8,i will show you something more remarkable than this40 ,so saying1 he led me through an open door into one of the spacious gardens which grace the palace on either side4 ,we walked but a few moments1 arm in arm1 over a soft velvet like lawn1 of the color of a delicate violet4 ,exquisite tints everywhere met my eye4 ,the air was like wine1 and so luscious and entrancing were the surroundings that ,i felt inclined to tarry1 but my sage guide1 calling my attention to the majestic dome towering in the air1 desired me to exert my will to ascend4 ,i did so1 and immediately felt myself rising as if pressed up by some elastic substance1 until ,i reached the top4 ,the dome1 which appeared to be composed of glass1 ,i perceived1 as ,i approached1 was covered with a thin web resembling that of a spider4 ,the apex of this dome was surmounted by a globe representing the planet earth1 with its continents and seas4 ,openings corresponding to the different continents admitted persons into the globe4 ,we entered that corresponding to the continent of ,north ,america4 ,each of these entrances1 ,i was told1 was particularly adapted to the admission of the inhabitants of the different localities they represented4 ,on looking down ,i beheld the apartment ,i had first entered4 ,it was no longer vacant--each gallery was filled with spectators4 ,on the lily-shaped rostrum stood ,henry ,clay and ,george ,washington--,washington speaking to the people4 8,you observe10 said my guide1 8a secondary stem from that lily branches off and extends to this point4 ,it appears to you a mere ornament1 but it transmits the thoughts and words of the speaker to the city of ,washington4 ,other branches1 as you notice1 lead in other directions4 ,if the speaker desires his thoughts to be transmitted to any given point1 he leans toward the stem leading to that point4 ,this silken web which you have admired1 is a sensitive electric telegraph4 ,it is composed of the elements of mind2 in the world you have lately inhabited it would be intangible1 but it has a subtle connection with the human brain1 and spirit thoughts directed through it go with the promptness of electricity to their destination4 ,thought is electric1 but its power of transmitting itself is1 like that of the human voice1 limited2 the voice requires the artificial assistance of a speaking-trumpet to throw its sound beyond the ordinary distance2 thought requires a similar artificial conductor4 ,you remember10 said ,franklin1 8in my early experiments with the kite and key1 ,i could not obtain the spark until ,i had established the necessary attraction1 although the air was filled with the electric current4 ,so of the thought-electricity1 which is constantly flowing2 we have to apply means to concentrate it and give it form and expression4 ,on earth1 word and gesture are media for thought1 but the savans have not yet discovered the means by which unspoken thought can take form and expression4 ,no galvanic wire nor chemical battery has yet been invented by them1 through which these electric sparks may be drawn down from their unseen habitations among the clouds2 but in the world of spirits this great discovery1 as ,i have shown you1 has been made4 ,in this appliance you find the thoughts of the speaker running through these sensitive wires until1 like telegraphic messages1 they reach their destination on earth40 ,i listened to ,franklin's explanation of this gigantic sensorium with my soul filled with love and admiration for the great ,creator who had formed the human mind with its vast capacity for penetrating the sublime mysteries of nature4 ,after leaving the dome ,i continued my inspection of the edifice4 ,but of its halls and galleries1 its boudoirs1 libraries1 and peerless gardens1 ,i will speak at some future time4 ,,napoleon ,,bonaparte4 ,,to ,,the ,,french ,,nation4 ,triumph sits regent upon the ,napoleonic banner4 ,napoleon the ,first is dictator to ,napoleon the ,third4 ,by my side stands ,josephine4 ,we were not destined to part eternally4 ,in ,louis ,napoleon ,bonaparte her blood and mine commingle4 ,restez-vous1 mon patrie2 ,napoleon shall decide aright4 ,no1 petit garon1 ,napoleon le ,grand will place you upon the highest pinnacle of peace4 ,fate is inexorable4 ,the decrees of destiny are more potent than the wisdom of man4 ,france and ,napoleon are indissoluble4 ,the star of ,bonaparte is destined to shine yet for the next half-century4 ,none but a patriot shall rule ,france4 ,no proud ,austrian1 nor weak and haughty ,bourbon shall flame their colors from the palaces of ,france4 ,no1 my countryman6 he who serves you1 who leads your armies to victory1 who raises your citizens to distinction1 he whose courage is undaunted1 he who has the power of prescience--is ,napoleon4 ,when ,louis shall join me his spirit and mine will still animate the ,bonapartes who shall come after us4 ,repose entire confidence in his discretion4 ,napoleon the ,third lives only for ,france4 ,you cry for liberty of speech and liberty of the press4 ,but liberty is anarchy4 ,would you demand liberty for the army8 ,without a head to guide and control it1 the army of ,france would be a scourge4 ,through calamity the most depressing1 the hand of destiny has led ,louis ,napoleon to the throne of ,france1 and against sickness and disease1 against the hand of the assassin1 and against vilifications of his enemies1 it will hold him there1 firm4 ,his time has not yet come4 ,before he bids adieu to life he will secure an able leader for ,france4 ,i give him my hand4 ,i embrace him in spirit4 ,the shadow of ,napoleon attends him by day and by night4 ,adieu1 ,,napoleon4 ,w4 ,m4 ,,thackeray4 ,,his ,,post ,,mortem ,,experience4 ,poor ,will ,thackeray1 when a stripling1 was fit to kneel in the street before his mistress1 that bright luminary who shone to his boyish eyes like a star of the first magnitude6 ,alas1 he discovered her to be one of the sixteenth1 and by the time he had ceased to care for polished boots and stiff1 broad collars1 she had dwindled down to an ordinary piece of humanity6 ,he found his boon companions1 like himself1 liable to mistake an ant for a whale and think the ,king of ,england next in royalty to a god6 ,what a fool he made of himself in the eyes of those who were wiser than he1 when he swore the crown of ,england was made of unalloyed gold6 ,the water he drank was filled with animalculae1 yet he swore it was pure as the gods' nectar4 ,the best and freshest air he breathed contained poison1 yet his boyish wisdom knew better than that4 ,poor ,thackeray6 wiser men than he knew that youthful imagination was a cheat2 that the mistress of his heart was not a goddess2 and wiser beings than they all knew--angelic beings1 living in the golden streets of ,paradise1 knew--that the conception of what the spirit after death would be able to do was as far from the truth as were his boyish dreams of the mistress of his heart6 ,poor ,thackeray6 he has attained that superior wisdom now6 ,he walks1 himself a ghost1 among the ghosts of the past2 and these 8airy nothings0 nod and smile1 and shake hands1 and say3 8,yes1 we are ourselves40 ,he thrusts his hands into his trowsers pockets1 and remembers the time when he thought it would be indecent to go naked in the ,new ,jerusalem6 ,trowsers1 forsooth6 ,yes1 here they are1 pockets and all2 and he dives his hands in deeper1 jingling something which strongly resembles cash2 and struts about and hobnobs with ,addison1 ,spencer1 ,sterne1 old ,dean ,swift1 and he asks himself1 8are these the great men of my fancy80 ,on reflection he finds he had expected to meet these luminaries shining like actual stars in the firmament1 attended by some undefined splendor4 ,poor ,will ,thackeray6 he finds the same dross in the gold1 the same animalculae in the water1 the same poison in the air1 the same fact that men are not gods in that much-vaunted place called heaven1 as on the much-abused earth4 ,but he wipes his spectacles1 and clears away the mist of speculation and fancy1 which has bedimmed his eyes1 and looks about him more hopefully and trustfully than in the days when he walked through ,vanity ,fair and saw how ,mr4 ,timms1 with not a penny in the bank1 pinched himself to give a little dinner in imitation of a great lord who gave a great dinner1 and had gold beyond his count2 snobs1 who wore paste jewels and cotton-backed velvet1 who cursed a fellow and strutted about in imitation of noble lords1 who wore real diamonds and silken velvets6 mimicking the follies of the great1 but never their noble deeds and heroisms4 ,he is beyond snobs now4 ,he is in the land of heroisms and heroes4 ,yet he feels he has been cheated by the fat parson who stole sovereigns from his pocket to keep him out of h----6 ,his spiritual bones fairly ache with the leagues he has travelled1 hunting up the throne of ,god6 8,where the deuce10 he mutters1 8is the showman80 ,he can't find the lake of fire and brimstone without a guide4 ,poor ,thackeray6 he again wipes his spectacles and feels he has been sold6 ,this life on the other side of ,jordan he finds to be what his ,american cousins would call a 8humbug10 a downright swindle upon the sympathies and good taste of those who wear long streamers of crape1 and groan and sob over his funeral rites6 ,he feels in duty bound 7out of consideration for those mourners who expect nothing else7 to go scudding through the air in a loose white shroud1 or to rest cosily housed away in the 8bosom of his ,maker10 like a big1 grown-up infant that he is1 or else to be howling at the top of his lungs hallelujahs6--he that could never raise a note4 ,and1 if not so1 certainly1 out of compliment to the judgment of his boon companions1 he should be engaged in the dread alternative of sitting astride a pair of balances and being 8weighed and found wanting20 or having been sent by the relentless ,judge into everlasting torment 8where there is cursing and gnashing of teeth10 he should be found there tormenting his fellow-imps6 ,but alas6 to his mortification1 nothing of the kind is occurring or seems likely to occur4 ,he has been as active as the next man since his arrival in ghostdom4 ,he has peeped under the chapeaux of every solemn pilgrim whom he has passed1 but failed to find the four-and-twenty elders who have washed their robes in the blood of the ,lamb4 ,what has he found8 ,he really is ashamed to own up to the number of mountain sides and sloping hills he has inspected in the vain search for a place he used to call h---- 7he thought it blasphemy to add the other three letters72 but neither cloven foot1 nor forked tail1 nor horns1 nor any kind of fearful person in black1 has pounced upon him2 nor has he been seized by any claimant for leaving the world unshriven1 as he did4 ,poor ,will ,thackeray6 it has been a great disappointment to him6 ,he expected some kind of sensational reception--thunder or lightning1 or some big ,god whose towering front might vie with ,chimborazo--to awe him into the consideration that he had become a spirit and was launched into the awful precincts of eternity6 ,no wonder he feels dogged and put upon to find himself thus bamboozled6 ,he undertook a long and venturesome journey to 8see the elephant10 but it wasn't there6 ,he can't complain against the citizens of this famous 8undiscovered bourne02 they have done all that's fair and square by him2 they have shown all that they have got2 and he is too much of a gentleman to taunt them4 ,he knows they feel ashamed that they haven't those curiosities that their ,vicegerents on earth had vouched for their having2 he can see it in their faces2 but he considers himself in duty bound to prepare his fellow-citizens for what they are to expect4 ,,archbishop ,,hughes4 ,,two ,,natural ,,religions4 ,there are two great natural religions before the world1 the ,roman ,catholic and the ,spiritualistic2 and both are adapted to the wants of the race4 ,man naturally gives expression to his thoughts by external forms corresponding to his ideas4 ,the ,roman ,catholic religion is accused of being a system of forms and ceremonies1 but therein lies its wonderful adaptation to humanity4 ,thought ever seeks expression in form1 even as a mother's love for her infant finds expression in her ardent embrace4 ,love is the prevailing element of the ,catholic religion1 as shown by the love of the ,son of ,god for poor1 ignorant1 sinful creatures4 ,we do not present this to the mind ideally4 ,we call in the outcast and the beggar1 and we expose to their view1 in the great cathedrals1 the ,son of ,god1 as he appeared in all his various experiences of human life4 ,the parent who can earn but a scanty pittance for his offspring1 sees before him ,jesus lying in the manger1 equal in squalid poverty with the lowest of mankind4 ,the majesty and glory of the courts of ,heaven are symbolized in the ,roman ,church4 ,there is gathered the wealth of the world6 ,all that is yet attained in the representation of the grand1 the beautiful1 the majestic1 the sublime1 and the devotional1 is collected in the ,mother of ,churches4 ,what earthly king1 in his noble palace1 with its costly architecture1 its ornaments of silver and gold1 its rare paintings and statuary1 the wealth and accumulation of many sovereigns1 would admit into its sacred precincts the poor and the lowly1 the beggar and the thief1 the ,magdalen and the ,lazarus to sully with their presence his royal abode8 ,but we erect palaces to the ,king of ,heaven6 regal in architecture1 and adorned with beauty surpassing in magnificence earthly royalty1 in which the lowliest may enter on an equality with the prince2 his untutored mind1 his uncultivated senses may listen to music of the highest order4 ,the pealing tones of the organ resound under the touch of the highest masters of art for his simple ear4 ,listening to those strains1 his mind forms a conception of the harmony and beatitude of ,heaven6 ,even death is not looked upon with horror by the ,catholic4 ,if he lose a friend in this life1 unlike the ,protestant1 he does not abandon him in oblivion1 but his sympathies still extend to him by offering masses for his soul4 ,and it is because it is so adapted to man's spiritual nature that the ,catholic religion has withstood the shock and surge of ages6 ,the restless1 heaving billows of time have washed against the seven-hilled ,church in vain4 ,my soul rests in peace4 ,it has taken its abode in ,elysium4 ,and in this world among the stars1 seeing clearer and further than when ,i inhabited the lowly planet earth1 ,i look down upon the struggling1 dying race ,i have left behind1 and feel still1 that the ,roman ,catholic religion is the religion for the masses4 ,a great majority of men are born into the world but little higher than the beasts that perish4 ,their spiritual natures1 though feeble1 need food that is adapted to their wants4 ,that food we furnish4 ,our priests1 our sisters of charity1 our holy fathers1 our ,benedictine monks1 our nuns1 are to be found in every quarter of the globe4 ,on the mountains of everlasting snow1 among the icebergs of the ,polar ,sea1 and in the sandy deserts2 on inhospitable shores1 in the torrid zone1 under the burning rays of the equatorial sun2 with the savage and with the sage they are found ever ready to stimulate the spiritual nature1 to give earthly advice1 and supply material wants4 ,as a spirit ,i speak of what ,i think best adapted to the needs of man4 ,i endeavor to throw aside the prejudices of education4 ,i look upon the ,protestant religion as unnatural2 a monstrous belief which deforms man4 ,so far as ,i can see1 its influence has been blighting4 ,it takes youth1 joy1 and animation from the world4 ,it grants no indulgence for sin1 nor for the mistakes of ignorance4 ,it is cruel and harsh1 and men become narrow and self-elated under its teachings4 ,the ,spiritualistic religion resembles the ,catholic in its breadth and amplitude1 and in its humanizing and equalizing influence4 ,i expect the day will come when all minor beliefs will be swallowed up in these two great religions4 ,the ,catholic ,church in the spirit world is not so extensive as it is upon earth4 ,its usefulness is more especially adapted to earthly conditions4 ,there are some noble cathedrals in the spirit world4 ,mass is offered up every morning at the cathedral of the ,five ,virgins in my bishopric4 ,the sisterhood of the ,five ,wise ,virgins1 newly organized1 inhabit beautiful and commodious edifices adjacent4 ,it is their business to escort from earth youthful souls who have been baptized in the ,church1 and who are friendless and vagrant1 having inhabited while on earth such parts of ,new ,york ,city as the ,five ,points and ,water street1 and having neither kindred nor connection to claim them4 ,these are received into the beautiful home of the sisterhood4 ,they bathe in the golden fountains of youth1 and are instructed in various ways4 ,they are taught the uses of magnetism1 mesmerism1 and psychology1 and return to earth to rap1 write1 and speak1 through media1 and to bring back the stray lambs to the fold4 ,,edgar ,a4 ,,poe4 ,,the ,,lost ,,soul4 ,hark the bell6 the funeral bell1 ,calling the soul ,to its goal4 ,oh6 the haunted human heart1 ,from its idol doomed to part6 ,yet a twofold being bearing1 ,she and ,i apart are tearing2 ,she to heaven ,i to hell6 ,going1 going6 ,hark the bell6 ,far in hell1 ,tolling1 tolling4 ,fiends are rolling1 ,whitened bones1 and coffins reeking1 ,fearful darkness grimly creeping ,on my soul1 ,my vision searing1 ,she disappearing1 ,drawn from me ,by a soul ,i cannot see1 ,whom ,i know can never love her4 ,oh6 that soul could ,i discover1 ,i would go1 ,steeped in woe1 ,down to darkness1 down to hell6 ,hark the bell6 ,farewell6 farewell6 ,,jean ,,paul ,,richter4 ,,invisible ,,influences4 ,a ship is on the ocean4 ,the wind is fair4 ,all hands are in motion4 ,but a few hours since1 it left port4 ,among its passengers is a gay traveller2 he wears a silken cloak fringed with gold4 ,the sailors admire his splendor2 they gather around him as he walks the deck with his flying robe4 ,they put forth their rough hands to feel its soft texture2 its warm1 bright color gives pleasure to their eyes4 ,as they gaze their pulses heighten1 their steps become unsteady1 their eyes wander from duty1 their great sturdy frames quiver with emotion4 ,the captain rallies them1 but in vain4 ,what secret foe is in their midst8 ,their parched tongues1 cleaving to the roofs of their mouths1 call for the surgeon4 ,he comes--he questions1 8,from whence comest thou80 8,from the ,orient10 the traveller replies4 ,the surgeon gasps and shakes his head4 ,he1 too1 is stricken with fear4 8',tis the plague60 he whispers4 ,an unseen1 deadly foe is stalking beneath that gay cloak6 ,the traveller hears and shudders2 he flings off his gay vestment4 ,the waves gather up the silken folds4 ,but the sacrifice is useless4 ,a fell hand strikes down both traveller and sailor4 ,as they gasp and die they are hurried to the ship's side2 they are plunged overboard2 a seething1 foaming grave yawns to receive them4 ,the ship glides on4 ,those who remain wash the deck with water4 ,they cannot wash away the demon1 which is everywhere and yet nowhere4444 ,poisons as subtle attend the human spirit1 baneful and contagious as the plague6 ,see yonder peaceful cottage1 nestling by the hillside2 hope and contentment dwell therein2 within its walls beauty and grace awaken harmony4 ,lured by the bright sunshine1 a stranger enters the door4 ,he sits and chats awhile with the inmates4 ,his talk is pleasant1 and as he converses a cloud falls upon the house1 the sunshine becomes darkened1 and the dwellers within the pretty cottage shiver as with cold4 ,they heed not the change1 for the chat of their guest delights them4 ,but when he departs he leaves behind him a poison more baneful than the plague4 ,the inmates of the peaceful cottage look with gloomy eyes one upon the other2 they become dissatisfied and distracted among themselves1 and discord takes the place of harmony4 ,secret influences are at work1 poisons thrown out by the sphere of the guest4 ,a worse fate befalls them than befell the sailors who were invaded by the insidious ,plague4 ,i have seen in nature a fair face clouded suddenly--made gloomy and unlovely--by the unspoken thought of another4 ,thought is contagious--some varieties of it poisonous6 ,i have seen the countenance of an innocent child transformed into ugliness by a poisonous thought4 ,i have seen those who have looked upon her receive that thought and become likewise infected4 ,i have seen also to this picture another and a brighter side4 ,i have seen secret influences drawing individuals together1 sustaining and upholding them2 as the long line filaments of wool clasp each other and draw together the separate particles1 so have ,i seen individuals united4 ,thus was the first ,napoleon united to ,josephine4 ,a secret influence as potent as the plague passed from one to the other2 but it breathed health and not poison4 ,napoleon1 with his powerful will1 disrupted these magnetic relations2 he tore apart the unseen filaments that bound them2 and1 the sustaining influence gone1 he fell--a mighty wreck--on the bleak shore of ,st4 ,helena4 ,what man or woman can comprehend the secret influences that surround the soul4 ,keep guard2 and when the blood stagnates within1 when secret shudders1 and gloomy thoughts1 and inharmonious feelings arise1 be sure that some poison-breathing foe is at hand4 ,set the door ajar1 and resolutely turn your face from the secret influence that would destroy you4 ,,charlotte ,,bront4 7,,currer ,,bell47 ,,agnes ,,reef4--,a ,,tale4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,i was brought up and educated by my bachelor uncle4 ,he was a reticent1 moody man1 and with his aged housekeeper and myself1 led a solitary and unsocial life in the old rambling house which had been his father's before him4 ,i was but a child of six years when destiny placed me under his charge1 and with him ,i remained eleven years2 a scared1 repressed little thing1 revelling in strange fancies in the spidery attic rooms1 and looking down through the dusty cobwebbed windows upon the life and movement below1 unconscious that ,i formed a part of that active humanity4 ,thus ,i lived until ,i entered my seventeenth year4 ,for the last two years my mind had been expanding and growing discontented with my lot4 ,the moroseness of my uncle1 the sullenness of his housekeeper1 the gloom and dinginess of the bare rooms had grown insupportable to me4 ,these alone ,i might have endured1 but added to them were other sources of disquiet1 not the least of which being hints from the housekeeper that it was time ,i began to do something for myself4 ,youth1 pride1 and ambition stirred within me1 and ,i actively set about looking1 for a situation4 ,i had not long to wait2 in one of the weekly papers1 of which my uncle took many1 ,i one day discovered an advertisement1 which to my morbid fancy seemed sent by fate especially to me4 ,a young lady was wanted to take charge of the education of a boy of eleven years4 ,upon reading this advertisement1 ,i immediately sat down and wrote a letter1 offering my services4 ,by return mail ,i received a note acknowledging the receipt of mine1 and stating that as ,i was the only applicant and my testimonials satisfactory1 ,i was accepted4 ,i informed my uncle of my good fortune4 ,he received the news with a gruff approval1 adding that he hoped ,i would do well1 as ,i could expect no further pecuniary aid from him than would be sufficient to carry me there4 ,my emotions1 as ,i packed my little trunk on that memorable ,saturday1 were of a mixed character2 but pleasure predominated4 ,hope beckoned me on2 and the sadness attendant on breaking loose from the unfriendly home in which ,i had lived so long was but transitory4 ,monday morning saw me seated composedly in the rail-coach on the way to 8,bristed ,hall10 my destination4 ,towards nightfall we stopped at a station in a desolate1 sparsely-inhabited district4 ,my road diverging here1 ,i hurried out1 and the long train which connected me with my past life sped out of sight4 ,drawing my veil closely to my face to hide a few falling tears1 ,i looked around the desolate waiting-room1 to see if any fellow-creature was expecting me4 ,as ,i did so a heavy1 thumping footstep sounded upon the platform1 and a surly voice inquired3 8,are you ,miss ,reef80 accompanying the question by a slight pull at my shawl4 ,turning1 ,i beheld a deformed little man with long arms and a high back1 awaiting my answer to his question4 ,i summoned courage to ask3 8,were you sent for ,miss ,reef80 8,yes10 he replied1 8,i am ,mr4 ,bristed's man4 ,he told me to drive here and fetch home a ,miss ,reef--if you are that person1 miss60 touching his hat with an effort at politeness4 8,i am10 ,i answered1 and without further ado we proceeded to the carriage1 which he had left waiting at the rear platform4 ,the evening air was chilly1 for it was quite sunset4 ,drawing my shawl around me1 ,i ensconced myself in a corner of the vehicle1 and watched the fading landscape with stolid indifference to whatever might befall me4 ,we drove on thus for a good hour and a half1 halting at length before a dark1 massy object1 the form of which my dozy eyes could not discern4 ,however1 it proved to be ,bristed ,hall4 ,i emerged from the carriage and passed up the steps to an open door which1 at the pausing of our carriage wheels1 had been set ajar4 ,an old woman1 the feminine counterpart of my sulky driver1 stood in the dimly-lighted passage-way to receive me4 ,she vouchsafed me but a grum welcome1 but ,i felt already too desolate and weary to experience any further depression from her humor4 ,bidding me follow her1 and ordering the man to carry my luggage1 she led me directly through the hall up the stairway to a chamber evidently prepared for my use4 ,the apartment was prettily furnished1 and its tidy appearance and the cheerful fire burning on the hearth quite roused my drooping spirits4 ,after assisting me to remove my bonnet and shawl1 my conductress left me1 returning ere long with a tray containing refreshments4 ,these she set before me with silent hospitality2 then bade me goodnight1 saying she would call me in the morning at eight o'clock for breakfast4 ,my sleep that night was disturbed by dreams1 which though vague filled me with terror4 ,i imagined that ,i was walking through a long corridor1 opening into a sumptuous apartment1 its interior partly concealed by rich folds of damask curtains4 ,i lifted the heavy drapery and essayed to enter1 but a cold hand grasped mine and prevented me4 ,a woman's figure1 slight and youthful1 with white face1 great sad eyes1 and long yellow hair1 stood in the arched doorway and pressed me back with her clammy hand4 ,i started up from my pillow in alarm to find myself alone2 the pale moonbeams streaming through the looped curtains of the window and glancing upon my forehead1 ,i thought1 probably accounted for the cold hand of my dream4 ,i slept1 and dreamed again4 ,the scene was changed3 a field of stubble lay before me2 through it ,i must make my way2 the rough ground hurt my feet2 ,i stumbled and fell2 attempting to rise1 ,i saw painted in clear relief against the horizon the same female figure4 ,her pale1 golden hair hung long and loose over her shoulders4 ,as she caught my eye she lifted her finger as if in warning1 and disappeared from sight4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,from these dreams ,i awakened in the morning perplexed1 disturbed1 and unrefreshed4 ,after dressing1 ,i was summoned to breakfast by the person who had received me the previous night4 ,she led me down the stairway and through the hall into the breakfast room4 ,it was a long1 narrow apartment1 with wainscots and floor of polished oak4 ,a bright fire blazed upon the hearth4 ,a small round stand was set forth1 upon which was placed my solitary repast4 ,i seated myself and partook1 with a relish1 of the nice cakes1 fragrant coffee1 and sweet clover butter4 ,having finished my meal1 ,i arose and walked to one of the deep-set windows which lighted the apartment4 ,lifting the curtain1 ,i looked out4 ,a grassy lawn overhung with trees2 clear gravel paths and well-trimmed shrubbery2 beyond1 rocks relieved by a patch of blue sky2 a thin line of light1 neutral tinted1 winding through the distant meadows1 indicating a streamlet2 these constituted the landscape4 ,having spent a full quarter of an hour in abstractedly gazing at this scene1 ,i was called to reality by the opening of the room door1 and a strange voice repeating my name4 ,the person presenting herself appeared to be an upper servant--a tall1 thin woman1 with dark hair sprinkled with gray1 and an amiable1 weak face4 8,if you have finished your breakfast1 ,miss1 ,i will show you to ,mr4 ,bristed's room40 ,i assured her it was completed1 and1 following her4 ,i crossed the hall and entered a door at the left4 ,a pleasant odor of flowers met my grateful senses4 ,the room was spacious1 wide and deep1 and handsomely carpeted4 ,the walls were ornamented with paintings and engravings4 ,an ample arm-chair1 which the owner had evidently just vacated1 and a table containing books and papers1 gave a tone of both comfort and elegance to the room1 which was decidedly congenial to my taste4 ,two great glass doors1 reflecting clearly the morning sunbeams1 led into a conservatory from whence issued the fragrance ,i perceived on entering4 ,among the flowers moved a tall1 manly figure4 ,as ,i entered1 the gentleman came forward4 8,miss ,reef1 ,mr4 ,bristed10 said my companion1 by way of introduction4 ,so this was my employer4 ,as he stood before me1 ,i surveyed him2 a well-formed gentleman1 above the ordinary height1 with pale complexion1 set off by dark1 penetrative eyes2 a shapely head covered with long1 heavy masses of straight dark hair4 ,the impression his appearance conveyed to me was that of a person benevolent but apathetic2 unhappy without the will or power to shake off his burden4 ,he bade me be seated4 8,you are young10 said he1 reflectively4 8,may ,i ask your age80 8,seventeen10 ,i replied4 8,very young10 he reiterated1 thoughtfully shaking his head2 8however1 as you are here1 if you wish to remain1 ,mary will introduce you to your pupil40 8,i certainly wish to remain10 said ,i1 impatiently2 8,i have journeyed quite a distance for that purpose1 and shall be happy to commence the instruction of my pupil immediately40 8,very well10 said he4 8,mary1 take her to the nursery1 and attend to any of her wants40 ,the girl opened a door adjoining that which we had entered by2 a narrow hall and a flight of stairs led us to the room indicated4 ,a little solitary figure1 breathing upon the window-glass1 and tracing thereon letters with long1 thin fingers1 was the first object that presented itself to my eye1 8,here is your governess1 ,herbert10 said ,mary4 ,the little boy turned and surveyed me with his large1 blue1 mournful eyes4 ,they sent a quiver through my frame from their strange resemblance to eyes ,i had seen but the night before in my dream4 ,he was apparently satisfied with his inspection1 and his thin scarlet lips parted into a smile4 ,i called him to me4 ,he came forward timidly4 ,taking his small hand1 ,i asked him a few questions about his studies4 ,i found him intelligent1 but grave beyond his years2 very docile and obedient1 and ere the end of the day we became excellent friends4 ,,chapter ,,iii ,i had lived six weeks at ,bristed ,hall1 and1 excepting on my first arrival1 had not interchanged a word with its master4 ',tis true ,i would see him at times from the school-room window1 walking through his park1 or smoking upon the long piazza1 but he might have been across the ocean for all the intercourse we had together4 ,it was early ,june2 roses bloomed on every hedge4 ,a season of dry weather had succeeded the showers of spring1 the mornings were sparkling1 the air delicious4 ,i arose early one particularly sunny morn1 that ,i might take a walk1 before the studies of the day commenced1 to a natural lake which ,i had discovered about a mile from the ,hall4 ,herbert begged to accompany me1 and ,i1 who loved at times the quiet of my own thoughts1 reluctantly granted his request4 ,we strolled out of the inclosure1 and were leisurely wending our way over the road1 when our attention was attracted by the sound of wheels emerging from a cross path4 ,a carriage rolled briskly in view4 ,the little hand of my companion1 which ,i held locked in mine1 trembled violently4 8,oh1 ,miss ,agnes1 ,miss ,agnes60 he cried1 pointing to the occupant of the carriage1 8there is ,uncle ,richard40 ,as it neared us1 the driver reined in his horses1 which snorted impatiently as he paused1 and a musical voice called out3 8,hallo6 you young varlet2 where are you going so early in the morning80 ,herbert answered faintly1 8,i am going with ,miss ,reef to the lake40 ,the gentleman at this reply waved his jewelled hand gracefully toward me4 8,miss ,reef1 ,i am happy to make your acquaintance4 ,so you are the young lady who has undertaken to be bored with my little nephew80 8,he is not a bore10 said ,i1 smilingly1 captivated by the grace and abandon of the traveller4 ,and truly his handsome countenance might have captivated a girl more experienced in the world's ways than myself4 ,his was a gay1 spirited face1 complexion fair and rosy2 full red lips1 graced with a curling moustache2 golden locks fit for an ,adonis2 sunny1 dancing eyes1 and a figure rather massive1 but well formed4 ,such was the impression ,i received of this 8,uncle ,richard40 8,allow me to give you a seat in my brougham10 said he4 ,i thanked him1 but refused4 8,bound on some romantic expedition10 he said1 laughing2 8,i can see it in your beaming eyes4 ,well1 ,i suppose ,i must continue my solitary drive2 but don't tarry long at the dismal lake2 hasten back1 as ,i shall want a companion to chat with in the empty ,hall40 ,i found ,herbert unwilling to talk about his uncle1 so ,i tried to dismiss the new comer from my thoughts1 and engaged with my pupil in gathering wild flowers and grasses wherewith to form wreaths and bouquets to adorn our school-room4 ,after rambling about for an hour1 we turned homeward4 ,i felt quite excited upon reaching the ,hall1 and hurried to my room to smooth my hair preparatory to commencing the labors of the day4 ,if ,i stood over my mirror longer than usual1 remember ,i was young1 and had a laudable desire to please4 ,as ,i surveyed myself in the glass1 ,i was guilty of a pleasurable cognizance of the figure and face reflected there4 ,the walk and unexpected encounter had given an unwonted brilliancy and vivacity to my countenance4 ,my cheeks glowed2 my eyes sparkled2 and from my chestnut curls depended wild flowers1 and wreaths of ,herbert's twining2 altogether a pleasing picture presented itself to view1 which1 without vanity1 ,i was thankful to behold4 ,we had not been long at our lessons when a voice1 gaily singing1 approached the door1 and without the ceremony of knocking1 the gentleman whom we had passed in our morning ramble entered the room4 8,i have been looking all over for you2 why are you hiding yourself away up here80 said he1 merrily4 8,can you not take another pupil1 ,miss ,reef80 at the same time drawing up his chair to the table at which ,herbert and myself were seated4 8,if he is as tractable as ,herbert1 ,i might venture10 ,i replied1 assuming the gay1 mocking tone of my questioner4 ,i soon saw that he was bent on remaining2 so1 taking from my desk a drawing-book and pencil1 ,i placed them before him4 8,there is your task2 please not to interrupt me40 ,i was determined not to be beguiled from my duty by this gay cavalier4 ,he permitted us to pursue our studies uninterruptedly till he had finished his drawing4 8,there10 he exclaimed1 placing it before me4 8,will you not reward me for my industry80 ,i looked at the sketch4 ,it was bold and clear1 shaded with a firm hand1 spirited and original4 ,i was truly surprised at the skill evinced4 ,after that day he visited our room often1 calling in during the morning to exchange a pleasant word1 or at the close of the school hours to loiter over our drawings and chat of books and music4 ,his visits began to grow too pleasant to me4 ,some effort must be made on my side to render them less attractive4 ,one afternoon he entered as usual1 and waited patiently till ,herbert had recited his closing lesson4 ,then he arose1 and taking a guitar from its case1 commenced playing and singing a song in a most bewitching manner4 8,come1 ,miss ,reef10 said he1 when he had finished1 8that beautiful hand is just made to glide over this instrument4 ,allow me to give you a lesson40 ,feeling that if ,i permitted him to encroach upon my position as governess ,i would be lost1 ,i refused4 ,i must give him to understand that ,i know my place and will not be trifled with1 ,i thought2 so ,i arose and rang the bell for ,mary4 ,she soon appeared1 apparently surprised at seeing ,mr4 ,richard ,bristed so much at home in the school-room4 8,mary1 sit down2 ,i wish you to hem this handkerchief for ,herbert10 said ,i4 ,she seated herself with my work-box before her1 and commenced plying her needle industriously4 ,the young gentleman looked on my arrangement with a lurking smile for a few moments1 and then uttering a long1 low whistle1 arose from his chair and sauntered out4 ,passing me1 he whispered3 8,i will remember you for this1 ,miss ,reef40 ,he did seem to remember it1 as several days elapsed without his presenting himself4 ,once ,i met him in the hall1 and he merely bowed4 ,if he had wished to arouse in me an interest in himself1 he could not have pursued a better plan2 for ,i grew restless and uneasy1 regretting heartily that ,i had offended him4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,after three days had passed thus1 ,i concluded ,i would explain to him my motive4 ,accordingly1 in the afternoon1 when my hour of recreation came1 ,i brushed my hair carefully1 changed my dress1 and descended to the piazza on which he generally lounged in the afternoon with a cigar4 ,as he was not there1 ,i seated myself on a rustic chair to watch for him4 ,i had not sat many minutes when ,i heard the wheels of a carriage on the gravel path2 then the gay voice of ,mr4 ,richard met my ear4 ,i turned3 he was seated in the vehicle with a valise beside him1 and was apparently bound on a journey4 ,as he caught sight of me1 he raised his hat1 bowed distantly1 and drove off4 ,a dreary sense of loneliness crept over me4 ,the setting sun filled the west with its golden splendor4 ,great yellow bars of sunlight streamed through the railing1 and lit up the floor of the piazza4 ,sitting there ,i was bathed in its ruddy flood4 ,happy birds poured forth their evening song in the bushes near by2 but ,i was miserable and alone4 ,all nature seemed to rejoice1 while ,i1 her child1 was desolate4 8,you appear sad1 miss10 said a voice close beside me4 ,i looked up and beheld the elder ,mr4 ,bristed4 ,he had evidently observed my emotion1 and his dark eye looked a reproof that his lips did not utter4 ,presently1 he seated himself near me1 and asked a few questions as to the progress my pupil was making4 ,having satisfied him on those points1 he inquired kindly if ,i was lonely or discontented4 8,oh1 no10 ,i answered1 heartily1 hoping to place a barrier to any further inquiries on that point4 8,but you have been weeping10 said he1 in a subdued voice4 8,not because ,i am lonely10 said ,i1 resolved to have the truth out2 8but ,i fear ,i have wounded the feelings of your brother40 8,my brother60 he repeated4 8,ah6 you have become acquainted with him8 ,he is bright and glittering like the sun2 but be careful1 my child1 be careful6 ,young birds should avoid the glittering steel of the fowler4 ,but youth will seek its own experience10 he remarked1 with a deep sigh4 8,no friendly warning will teach the young to beware of danger4 ,but consider me your friend1 ,miss ,reef1 and let me likewise be your monitor40 ,without waiting for my reply1 he hastily left me and entered the house4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,four weeks elapsed ere ,richard's return4 ,during his absence ,mr4 ,bristed showed his sympathy for my lonely situation by many little attentions2 sending up to the school-room1 now and then1 choice fruit from his hot-house1 or a bouquet of conservatory flowers1 and1 several times in the early evening1 he sent for me to read aloud to him4 ,i found him to be a quiet1 polished gentleman2 and ,i grew to like him1 and to look for his tokens of kindness after my daily labors with growing interest1 and1 if they came not1 to feel disappointed and unhappy4 ,he had travelled much and could talk well1 and under the influence of a sympathetic listener1 his countenance lit up with kindly emotion1 and the sad lines of his face disappeared beneath a happy smile4 ,but in the glowing midsummer his truant brother returned1 and my new-born interest vanished like snow before the harvest sun4 ,again ,mr4 ,richard exerted his varied powers to fascinate and amuse me4 ,again ,i listened1 and struggled1 as formerly1 against his wiles1 and finally bent a too willing ear to his soft words of praise and admiration4 ,with secret pleasure ,i reveled in his ardent language1 hugging to my heart the belief that ,i was loved4 ,how that summer sped by on its golden wings6 ,time passed on1 as in some delicious opium dream6 ,and when the short clays and long nights of the ,christmas holidays set in1 ,i found myself secretly engaged in marriage to ,richard ,bristed4 ,of our plans and attachment his brother was not at present to be informed3 this stern brother who shut himself up apart from his species1 and who1 ,richard told me1 was of too cold a nature to sympathize with love4 8,he will dismiss you1 ,agnes1 if he hears of it10 he said4 8,wait till ,i have settled up my affairs1 and then he can do his worst40 ,i believed this statement2 ,i forgot all my former good impressions of ,mr4 ,bristed1 and listened to the tales that were told me of how he had wronged ,richard4 ,i learned to regard him as a robber1 a hypocrite whose statements could not be relied on2 a false1 dark1 bad man4 ,as for ,richard1 he seemed a king in comparison2 a noble1 magnanimous being1 whom some kind fairy had bestowed upon me4 ,but that cold1 relentless ,fate1 which comes to tear off the painted wrappings of life1 revealing the bare and ugly reality beneath1 was fast pursuing me4 ,at the close of a cold1 snowy day1 ,i had retired early to my room1 and having locked the door that ,i might be free from interruption1 sat down to look over the dainty articles of dress which ,i had been shyly accumulating for my approaching marriage4 ,it was but a scanty outfit1 but to me it appeared munificent as that of a princess4 ,i could never weary of looking at these beautiful garments2 ,i placed them in one light1 and then in another2 ,i folded and unfolded them1 and finally ended by trying them on1 and admiring in the mirror their perfect adaptation to my face and figure4 ,a long time must have passed in this way1 when the hall clock struck the hour of midnight4 ,astonished at the lateness of the night1 ,i threw down the laces and ribbons which ,i was combining into some airy article of dress1 and was preparing to remove my bridal attire1 when ,i was amazed to hear a key turning in the lock of my door4 ,fear and surprise nailed me to the floor4 ,the door glided softly open and in stepped ,mr4 ,richard ,bristed6 ,he seemed surprised to see me thus4 8,what6 up and dressed80 he exclaimed1 in a loud whisper4 8,o my beauty6 my wife6 ,i have come to claim you to-night4 ,you shall be mine4 ,no power on earth shall withhold us now60 8,how strangely you talk1 ,richard10 said ,i4 8,you forget it is so late4 ,we cannot go to church at this hour40 8,ah1 dearest1 this is church6 ,see1 ,i have brought you this ring4 ,we will stand up before ,god and our own hearts1 and ,i will marry you here4 ,we need no other witnesses than ourselves and this ring60 ,though my youthful heart was blinded by love and passion1 ,i was not prepared for this4 ,excitement and the strangeness of the proposition overcame me1 and ,i broke forth into sobs4 ,he endeavored to soothe me1 urging his request with a pleading force which ,i could scarcely withstand4 8,i am not prepared1 ,richard10 said ,i1 drying my tears2 8this is so sudden1 so unlooked for1 ,i must have time for thought40 ,but thought only revealed a gaping abyss1 from which ,i must fly4 ,he continued to urge his plea2 but seeing ,i would not yield1 his countenance changed4 ,the sweet1 seductive smile vanished4 ,he grew white as the moonbeam1 and1 clenching his hand and setting his teeth1 bent over me1 whispering huskily3 8,agnes1 ,i shall not step from this room to-night4 ,i have the key4 ,you have promised to be mine4 ,you shall keep that promise4 ,to-night you shall keep that promise60 ,if he was pale1 ,i became paler4 ,a cold chill crept over me4 ,but ,i took my resolution1 unyielding as death1 not to grant his request4 ,a chasm seemed to yawn before me4 ,the loneliness and friendlessness of my position were presented to my mind with terrific reality4 ,a deadly swoon-like feeling ensued4 ,to yield in this might seal my fate4 ,i paced the floor rapidly1 praying for help4 ,help came suddenly4 ,as ,i passed the door of my wardrobe1 ,i remembered that the same key unlocked this and the door of my apartment4 ,i drew it forth1 and in the twinkling of an eye ,i was free4 ,the cool air from the outside passage1 and the prospect of liberty1 cooled my excited nerves1 and revived me for the work ,i had to accomplish4 8,richard10 said ,i1 my hand upon the latch1 8you or ,i must leave40 ,he made no reply1 but violently rising from his chair1 grasped something that lay near him1 and tearing it to atoms1 rushed by me without word or look1 and reaching the stairs1 hastened out of sight4 ,mechanically ,i sat down1 and with sad1 straining eyes surveyed the wreck before me4 ,my bridal wreath was shivered into fragments2 its white petals1 like fruit blossoms caught in an untimely blast1 sprinkled the floor2 my laces were in shreds like the riven mast of some shipwrecked vessel4 ,of course there was no sleep for me that night4 ,when worn out with thinking and weeping1 ,i drew a large easy chair up to the door and sat there as guard1 listening1 with the hope which moment after moment grew fainter1 that he would return and whisper in my willing ear a sweet demand for pardon1 some word in extenuation for his unseemly conduct2 but he came not4 ,toward daybreak1 ,i was aroused from the lethargy into which ,i had fallen from sheer exhaustion by the sound of excited voices and hurried movements in the room below4 ,as these subsided and the gray morning broke1 ,i was startled by the sound of a horse's hoofs on the graveled walk4 ,a fearful foreboding possessed me2 what could it mean8 ,somebody was riding away2 who was it8 ,through the gate and down the avenue ,i heard the galloping steed4 ,i dragged my nerveless limbs to the window and peered forth4 ,clear against the horizon1 now streaked with pale crimson rays of dawn1 rising in bold relief ,i beheld the receding figure of ,richard ,bristed4 ,he was leaving me without word or sign4 ,my head reeled2 ,i grasped the window casement to steady myself1 and sank insensible upon the floor4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,i must have remained in this condition some hours1 for the sun was high in the heavens when ,i opened my eyes and became conscious4 ,where was ,i8 ,not in my own room1 surely2 the fragrance of exotics did not penetrate my lattice2 the simple honeysuckle that twined around my window breathed forth a different perfume from this4 ,my heart gave one glad leap4 ,oh1 it is all a dream6 ,i thought2 ,richard's galloping down the road1 and all the past night's misery is a dream6 ,with this reflection a happy tranquillity was stealing over me1 when ,i heard a well-known voice exclaim3 8,look1 ,mary1 attend her2 she has opened her eyes1 thank ,god40 ,it was ,mr4 ,bristed's voice1 and as he spoke ,mary approached me1 and bending over1 bathed my head with scented water4 8,hope you feel better1 ,miss10 said she4 8,have ,i been ill1 ,mary8 ,where am ,i80 8,in master's library40 ,surely it was so4 ,i was lying upon a divan near the conservatory4 ,alas1 ,i was not dreaming6 ,i sat up and looked drearily around1 and as ,i did so ,mr4 ,bristed drew near with a beautiful lily in his hand1 which he offered to me4 ,he inquired kindly after my health and looked pleased when ,i told him ,i felt quite strong4 ,indeed ,i did feel strong for the moment1 and arose determined to leave the room4 8,sit still--where are you going80 he asked anxiously4 8,going to the school-room--going to see ,herbert10 ,i replied4 8,herbert10 said he1 and his countenance darkened2 8you cannot see ,herbert1 he is ill40 ,not see ,herbert1 and he ill8 ,what could be the matter8 ,he was well but yesterday4 ,mr4 ,bristed's strange manner1 coupled with ,richard's absence and the fearful events of the night1 seemed likely to turn my brain4 ,he saw my startled look of inquiry1 and said1 8,be quiet awhile2 ,i have something of importance which ,i will communicate to you by-and-by1 when you are composed40 8,mary10 he ordered1 8ring the bell for breakfast to be sent hither2 meanwhile1 ,miss ,reef1 while awaiting our coffee1 if you will walk with me in the conservatory ,i will take pleasure in showing you my tropical curiosities40 ,i followed him languidly with wandering thoughts4 ,gradually1 however1 ,i grew interested and listened with increased attention to his animated description of the homes and haunts of the wonders by which he was surrounded4 ,he had visited many climes1 and gathered each strange flower and plant he had seen in its native clime4 ,he became eloquent and genial as he described the strange habits and peculiarities of his floral companions1 which he seemed to regard as a species of humanity2 to him they were not inanimate existences--creations--but objects endowed with soul and sensation4 ,while we were thus conversing1 ,mary announced that breakfast was ready1 and ,i reluctantly accompanied him to the library4 ,he almost compelled me to eat1 selecting for me dainty morsels to tempt my appetite4 ,mr4 ,bristed evidently labored under some mental disquiet1 which he evinced by undue efforts at cheerfulness4 ,breakfast being removed ,i sought to withdraw from the room1 but he requested me to remain1 and dismissing ,mary1 seated himself in an easy chair next the ottoman on which ,i rested1 and warming his hands over the fire1 his eyes bent upon the blaze1 said1 with an abruptness that was natural to him3 8,i am not accustomed to concern myself about strangers1 ,miss ,reef1 but in you ,i have felt a peculiar interest since the day we first met4 ,you will remember ,i warned you then that you were too young for the responsibility which ,i foresaw awaited you4 ,i feared at that time that ,richard1 on seeing so bright a flower1 would endeavor to snatch it from its stem4 ,my fears have been realized2 you see ,i am acquainted with what has taken place1 and now the hour has come when you and ,i must part40 8,oh no10 cried ,i gaspingly1 8not yet1 not yet40 8,miss ,reef10 he demanded solemnly1 8why will you delay8 ,i understand what you would say2 you desire to see ,richard again1 but that can never be2 you have looked your last upon him in this life4 ,i know his magnetic influence over you2 once again under that influence you are lost60 ,i did not like what he said4 ,he overstepped the bounds of courtesy1 ,i thought4 ,the warning which ,richard had given me against him revived in force and ,i recoiled from him1 saying3 8,sir1 your brother is my friend2 ,i can listen to nothing in his disfavor40 ,he sighed1 8,ah1 ,agnes1 you are but a child4 ,the sun just rising above yonder horizon must soon be darkened2 ,i see the gathering cloud and would warn you of the approaching storm4 ,why will you turn from me when ,i desire to help you80 ,his musical voice was so sympathetic that it moved me deeply2 but ,i shook my head and answered passionately1 8,i cannot trust you4 ,you wrong him1 and would compel me to wrong him too40 8,my child10 said he sadly1 8,i had hoped to have saved you from further anguish1 but perhaps it is best that you should know all4 ,come with me40 ,he opened the door and led me to a room on the opposite side of the hall4 ,i knew it to be the room where ,herbert slept4 8,let us go in10 he whispered4 ,we entered softly3 the apartment was darkened1 but a dainty crib which occupied the centre of the floor could be dimly seen4 ,as we stepped in1 his nurse1 who was bending over the cot1 moved with hushed footsteps away to give us room4 ,there he lay1 my dear1 sick lamb6 ,i was so glad to be permitted to see him4 ,but the result of no ordinary sickness met my eye4 ,great purple rings had settled around his closed eyelids1 his lips were blue1 his sweet mouth partly opened1 he seemed to breathe with difficulty4 ,i could not speak4 ,mr4 ,bristed turned down the coverlet from the little shoulders4 8,look1 ,miss ,reef10 said he hoarsely1 his voice quivering with agitation1 pointing to some hideous marks on the little sufferer's throat--8those are his finger marks40 ,i sickened4 ,what crime was this that he hinted at so strangely8 ,but the insinuation was too incredible4 ,the thought that he was working on my credulity exasperated me4 8,if you want me to leave your house1 ,mr4 ,bristed1 command me and ,i will go1 but you cannot force me to believe this horrid inference40 ,he must have felt the disdain with which ,i spurned him1 for he turned upon his heel and left the room4 ,i then spoke to ,herbert4 ,at the sound of my voice he moved1 and ,i seated myself by his side4 ,quietness seemed desirable1 and ,i was not inclined to break it4 ,now and then ,i moistened his lips with a little wine and water4 ,seeing that ,i still sat by the crib1 the nurse lay down upon a settee and fell asleep4 ,hours thus passed4 ,the days were short and twilight came on rapidly4 ,sitting there in the gathering gloom1 ,i began to hum inadvertently a little song which ,herbert loved me to sing to him4 ,hearing my voice chant his favorite ditty1 the poor little creature stirred in his crib1 and his pale lips parted into a smile4 ,presently1 in broken tones he asked1 8,is that ,miss ,reef80 8,yes1 ,herbert1 darling1 ,i have come to sing to you10 said ,i1 mastering my emotions and chirruping more loudly his beloved song4 ,the effect seemed truly magical--he endeavored to raise up his little body4 8,oh sing it again10 he cried4 8,would you like to sit upon my knee80 ,he nodded assent1 and ,i made an effort to lift him up1 but he was weak and heavy1 and ,i not sufficiently strong to sustain him4 ,as he fell back1 my eyes caught sight again of those fearful marks4 ,some power outside of myself forced me to ask1 8,herbert1 what ails your throat2 has any one hurt you80 ,at the question1 a tremor fearful to witness passed through his frame1 and looking at me with an expression of preternatural intelligence1 he whispered1 8,he tried to choke me40 ,stunned with horror at this again repeated assertion1 ,i sank down and buried my face in my hands4 ,i could think but one thought1 and that was a wish that ,i were dead6 ,,chapter ,,vii ,but my nature would not permit me at such a crisis to remain passive long4 ,i must arouse myself and act4 ,calling the nurse to take my place1 ,i went to seek ,mr4 ,bristed4 ,i found him1 as usual1 in his library4 8,sir10 said ,i1 8,i am calm now2 will you not explain to me this frightful mystery8 ,i will listen and thank you40 ,he placed a chair for me to be seated1 and taking my hand1 said gently3-- 8,miss ,reef--,agnes1 you are too weak to hear this that you seek to know40 8,no1 no10 ,i exclaimed1 vehemently2 8,i am not weak2 ,i must know all40 ,he arose and paced the floor hurriedly for a few moments2 then muttering1 8,it is best--,i will tell her10 he said3 8,you have been surprised1 no doubt1 ,agnes1 at the frankness with which ,i have expressed my opinion of ,richard's character--let me inform you that he and ,i are not brothers4 ,he is a half-brother1 the offspring of my father's second marriage2 though indeed ,i doubt if he have a right to even that relationship4 ,i have heard dark hints thrown out that my father had been deceived1 and that this child who claimed to be his son should look in a lower quarter for his father4 ,richard's mother was not a woman of high moral principle1 and he partakes of her nature4 ,my father provided for him well1 but as ,i was the elder son the bulk of his large property became mine by inheritance2 but ,richard has always made the ,hall his home when in ,england--indeed1 he has a legal right during his lifetime to the use of the room he occupies4 ,he has not1 however1 often availed himself of this right since ,i have had his son ,herbert under my protection40 8,his son ,herbert80 ,i repeated1 mechanically4 8,yes1 poor child1 his son2 though the boy has always been taught to call him uncle4 ,neither ,richard nor myself desire the relationship to be known1 and it is only in hope of serving you that ,i reveal it40 8,richard married80 ,i said1 falteringly4 8,ah1 ,agnes1 there are many women whom he should never have seen1 as he could not marry them10 said he1 with the slow determination of a man resolved on uttering a repulsive truth4 ,herbert's mother was a beautiful but penniless orphan of good family1 who visited this house some years since in the capacity of companion to our great-aunt4 8,during that visit ,i became enamoured with her1 and we were secretly engaged in marriage4 ,it was before the death of my father1 and ,i was not my own master2 but ,i loved her truly1 and meant well by her1 only desiring her to wait till ,i should be free to please myself4 ,but ,richard stepped in between me and my happiness4 ,he stole this girl's heart from me2 gained her love as he has endeavored to obtain yours1 by flattery and dissimulation you see ,i am not wily and smooth enough to please women--but also he destroyed her peace under promise of marriage2 leaving her soon after and going abroad without acquainting her with his purpose4 8,i was temporarily from home when this occurred4 ,on returning in the course of a month1 ,richard fled1 as ,i have stated2 but ,i was ignorant then of the cause1 and it was not till in the agony of shame she came to me for help with her secret1 that ,i became aware of his perfidy4 8,i need not tell you that ,i gave her all the aid in my power2 her child ,herbert was born and secretly cared for4 ,when he was about two years old1 the great-aunt of whom ,i have spoken died1 leaving a large proportion of her property to ,alice1 of whose misfortune she had never dreamed4 8,wealth came to the unfortunate girl too late4 ,the shock she had received from ,richard's deceit had preyed upon her health1 and she was failing rapidly1 when he1 hearing of her good fortune1 returned home4 8,with his specious address he might have regained his old ascendancy over her had ,i not interfered4 ,you know well1 ,agnes1 his peculiar gift of fascination4 ,i believe he could by some unexplainable psychological process make any great wrong appear right to a woman4 ,but ,i induced her to bequeath her wealth to ,herbert1 and secure it1 for a time at least1 beyond ,richard's control--and he owes me a grudge for it4 8,herbert1 she left under my care1 unless1 of his own free will1 he chose to reside with ,richard1 who in that case was to become his guardian2 and in the event of ,herbert's death before reaching his majority1 the whole property was to revert to ,richard ,bristed4 ,you see she loved him still4 ,unjust but womanlike1 her love was stronger than her judgment4 8,well10 said he1 after eyeing me thoughtfully1 8you listen as if you did not rightly comprehend what ,i have been saying60 ,i was indeed stunned by his communication4 ,could it be1 ,i thought1 with suppressed fear1 that the shadowy figure which had haunted my bed-chamber and had visited me in dreams was the same wronged ,alice8 ,had she arisen from her grave beneath the granite of the church-yard to warn me8 ,or are the dead jealous of their rights8 ,do they cling to their earthly love8 ,i queried4 ,but when he spoke ,i shook off these thoughts that were rising like mist to obscure my judgment1 and answered1 8,i am4 ,i am listening2 proceed40 8,agnes1 through your influence ,richard has hoped to obtain possession of ,herbert and control over his fortune4 ,he has thought to entrap you as he did ,alice1 and through his power over you has calculated to carry out the project of his prolific brain40 ,till this moment ,i had listened silently to his strange recital1 but ,i could not brook this insinuation4 ,the story1 to my mind1 did not appear clear4 ,how could ,richard expect to obtain1 through my agency1 possession of a son whom he had never acknowledged8 ,tis true ,i remembered him to have said that he feared ,i would miss my pupil very much4 ,he had asked playfully what would ,herbert do without me1 but he had not suggested taking the child away with us1 and therefore ,mr4 ,bristed's charge appeared to my mind unfounded1 and ,i told him so4 8,ah1 my child60 he replied1 8you know not the devising power of this man4 ,he has an agent here in this place1 in the shape of old ,crisp1 the hunchback4 ,it has been his plan1 under promise of marriage1 to decoy you from this house2 he would probably have left his child to ,crisp's good agency1 with orders to join you4 ,herbert loves you1 and would have gone willingly in your company1 but alone with ,richard he would not have moved one step4 ,once out of my reach in some distant city1 he would have had the reins in his own hand4 ,it was by an unexpected1 but ,i hope fortunate chance1 that ,i overheard a conversation to this effect between him and the deformed servant4 ,i could not ascertain the day set for this adventure1 but ,i surmised that it was at no remote date1 and ,i have kept alert4 ,you have avoided me1 ,miss ,reef1 and ,i have been obliged to watch your movements distantly4 ,not from suspicion of you1 for ,i know you to be pure and honorable1 but because you are under my protection1 and because0--he hesitated--,i wondered what was coming next4 ,i had a presentiment that he was about to make an avowal which ,i ought to shun1 but before ,i could evade him he turned suddenly toward me1 his face white with emotion1 and continued--8,i love you1 ,agnes1 though it is no time now to speak of my passion1 and have watched over you as a father1 a brother1 a lover would watch40 ,this announcement affected me more than ,i care to confess1 considering ,i did not return his love1 but it was the allusion to his sheltering care that moved me4 8,yes1 ,i have watched over you2 orphan that you are1 you need some guardian care4 ,i knew by your frequent journeys to the village1 by your cloistering in your own apartment1 and more than all1 by your speaking countenance1 that you were preparing for some great event in your life4 8,last night ,i could not sleep2 ,i laid my head upon my pillow1 but finding it impossible to close my eyes ,i arose and dressed4 ,sitting by my window ,i thought ,i heard a commotion in your room4 ,i listened until my surmises grew into certainty4 ,the hour was midnight1 and your door1 which at that season is usually closed like a cloister-gate1 swung on its hinges4 8,this alarmed me2 ,i unlocked my door and looked out4 ,soon a hasty step retreating from your chamber met my ear4 ,descending the stairs1 this untimely visitor entered the room where ,herbert lay sleeping4 ,a strange suspicion came over me4 ,can the intruder be ,richard8 ,i thought4 ,if so1 what was he doing at that hour of the night8 ,i seized a lighted candle and rushed to the boy's apartment1 and there ,i found ,richard1 maddened1 and beside himself with liquor and frenzy4 ,i was just in time to save ,herbert's life from his insane fury4 8,i know not what had occurred between you and him1 ,agnes1 but this ,i know1 he had failed in some diabolical plot he had contemplated4 ,chance or a friendly ,providence had thwarted his purpose4 ,i had him in my power1 and compelled him to leave the house1 not to return until you have been removed where he will never find you4 8,i cannot leave my beautiful bird1 my pet dove1 where the charms of this wily serpent may ensnare her40 ,he ceased4 ,my eyes were dry1 my heart turned to stone4 ,i arose1 and mechanically moved toward the door4 8,where are you going1 ,agnes8 ,tell me of your plans2 regard me as your friend1 ,i beg40 8,take me away--take me away10 ,i cried hysterically2 8,i must go6 ,oh1 oh1 oh60 ,i should have fallen1 but he caught me in his arms4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,on reviving came the dread feeling that ,i must go4 ,go whither8 ,i had no home4 ,i could not return to my uncle who had cast me adrift4 ,the inquisitive glance of his grim housekeeper would annihilate me4 ,but go ,i must1 and that speedily4 ,with weary head and aching heart ,i commenced packing my little wardrobe4 ,my bridal attire ,i hastily covered from sight that it might remain until time and mildew should obliterate it4 ,my dream of love was past4 ,i felt that my youth and beauty were buried in that crushed pile of broken flowers1 pale silk1 and dishevelled lace4 ,i had concluded my work1 and was tying my bonnet-strings1 when a knock at the door announced ,mr4 ,bristed4 ,he appeared surprised at seeing me arranged for my journey4 8,so soon1 ,agnes80 said he4 8,you are not yet able to leave40 ,but as ,i expressed very emphatically my ability and determination to start immediately1 he saw expostulation would be useless4 8,well10 said he1 8let me hear where you contemplate going40 ,i told him ,i should take the railway or coach to some point1 ,i cared not where2 any distant city or village from whence ,i could advertise for another situation4 ,i was too hopeless then to care whither ,i went4 8,and do you think ,i would permit you to leave me thus at random1 going1 you know not where1 without any preconceived plans8 ,oh my poor1 poor child1 to be thrown thus upon the world60 ,he walked the floor several times1 apparently in great agitation2 then1 suddenly pausing1 said abruptly1 almost violently1 8,it must not be6 ,agnes1 don't go10 lowering his voice1 and placing his hand gently on my shoulder2 8stay with me--become my wife4 ,i love you and will cherish you4 ,no rude blast that my arm can shield you from shall assail you4 ,my life has been one of gloom1 you can render it one of sunshine4 ,stay1 dear one1 oh1 stay60 and in his transport he seized my hands4 8,what do you mean1 ,mr4 ,bristed80 said ,i1 recoiling from him4 8,surely1 you must forget yourself and the circumstances which have so recently occurred2 you have accused me of loving your brother1 how1 then1 can ,i transfer my affections to you8 ,oh1 you are cruel1 cruel60 8,forgive me10 said he1 penitently2 8,i will do anything for you1 ,agnes--take you away1 if you wish2 only let me go with you and see that you are properly cared for40 ,i shook my head4 8,richard may seek to find you2 you may fall again into his evil hands if you insist on going thus alone40 8,mr4 ,bristed10 said ,i1 8thus far ,i have acted as you directed4 ,i will depart at your solicitation2 but further than this1 ,i must be free4 ,if ,richard seeks me out1 and ,i can aid him1 ,i will do so4 ,degraded and fallen though he be1 my love will not shrink from him4 ,i will help him to rise40 8,you are a noble woman1 ,agnes10 he said with a sad smile1 8,god protect you60 and he left me4 ,as he went out1 ,i heard him order the carriage4 ,the serving-man came for my luggage1 and ,i summoned courage to pay a farewell visit to ,herbert4 ,the poor little invalid became very much excited at seeing me1 and clung so tightly about my neck that it was with effort ,i could leave4 ,i did not then inform him of my intended departure1 and with an aching heart and forced smile ,i parted from the dear sufferer4 ,i met ,mary in the hall2 she told me ,mr4 ,bristed had ordered her to accompany me on my journey4 ,i did not want her company1 my mind craved solitude2 ,i would not have her4 ,i sought her master1 and told him so4 8,at a time like this ,i must be alone10 said ,i1 excitedly2 8,i want no spy upon my actions4 ,i will go wherever you wish me to go1 but let me proceed alone40 8,well10 said he1 musingly1 8,i desire but to serve you4 ,go to the town of ,m41 present this letter according to its directions4 ,you refuse my further aid1 but if ever you need a friend1 send for me2 otherwise1 ,i will never trouble you40 ,i answered that ,i would do as he requested1 and with a heavy heart entered his carriage1 which was waiting to drive me to the railway station4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,i will pass over my journey1 and the lonely1 miserable days which succeeded my arrival in ,m4 ,i made fruitless effort to obtain service1 and waited and watched for an application in my dreary lodgings until my small hoard of wages was nigh exhausted4 ,i had been in the city a fortnight1 broken in spirit and dejected by want of success1 when ,i happened to bethink me of the letter ,mr4 ,bristed had given me4 ,i took it from its undisturbed nook in my trunk1 and having read the superscription1 set about to find the party to whom it was addressed4 ,the direction led me to a large manufacturing establishment4 ,the gentleman to whom it was written appeared to be a foreigner4 ,having presented the epistle to him1 he perused it hastily1 then taking my hand with great eagerness1 he exclaimed3 8,o ,mees6 ,i am greatly honored4 ,mons4 ,bristeed is my very good friend2 ,i well acquaint with him in ,paris4 ,i congratulate you on having one so grand a gentleman for your acquaintance4 ,he tell me you look for a school40 8,yes1 sir10 said ,i1 glad to find my tastes had been studied2 8,i do desire a school40 8,i will assist with pleasure1 ,mees4 ,be seated2 in a few moments ,i will accompany you40 ,i sat down1 wondering whither the gay1 loquacious gentleman would lead me4 ,he soon rejoined me1 hat in hand4 8,will you accept my escort1 ,mees2 the place is near by10 said he1 reading the note4 8,no4 #ad ,b----1 street4 ,will you walk1 or shall ,i call a cab80 8,i will walk10 ,i answered1 scarcely knowing what reply was expected4 ,as we turned the corner of the street ,i ventured to ask3 8,is it to some school you are guiding me80 8,ah1 ,mees10 said he1 rubbing his hands together and laughing1 8it is some great secret4 ,mons4 ,bristeed would surprise you4 ,have a leetle patience1 and all will be divulged40 ,we walked rapidly for a space and then paused before a handsome building4 ,entering the courtyard1 we rang the silver bell4 ,a servant answered our summons and invited us in4 ,seated in the drawing-room1 ,i heard the buzz of many voices4 8,is it an academy80 ,i whispered to ,monsieur ,pilot1 my conductor4 ,he smiled encouragingly4 8,this is a young ladies' seminary1 ,mees40 ,before ,i could question further1 the room door opened1 and a lady of tall1 imposing figure entered4 ,monsieur ,pilot commenced a vehement conversation with her in ,french4 ,she responded in the same tongue4 ,the dialogue ended1 he turned to me and said3 8,mees ,reef1 permit me to introduce you to ,madame ,fontenelle40 ,madame smiled very graciously upon me1 and then recommenced the gesticulation and babble of the two4 ,at length she appeared satisfied with the understanding at which they arrived4 ,i was growing uneasy at their prolonged volubility1 when ,monsieur ,pilot pirouetted up to me1 and said3 8,mees ,reef1 ,i beg to congratulate you4 ,madame consents to transfer this mansion into your hands1 ,she accepts our recommendation and that of your own intelligent countenance4 ,mons4 ,bristeed was not mistaken in the impression you would make4 ,i wish you joy in having become the proprietress of this splendid institution40 8,how10 ,i cried in astonishment2 8,i proprietor8 ,i do not understand4 ,please explain40 ,madame looked blandly on2 my remarks were evidently unintelligible to her4 8,it is a very onerous and responsible position1 ,mademoiselle0--shrugging her shoulders--8,i should not like to advise you4 ,do you comprehend the extent of the undertaking8 ,i should not be willing to trust my pupils in timid hands40 ,her remarks stung me1 and gave1 ,i presume1 the favorable turn to my destiny1 for ,i felt the power to undertake a task which ,i would before have shrunk from4 8,i will do my duty in all cases to the best of my ability1 madame60 was my brief reply4 8,ah1 you do not comprehend1 ,madame10 said ,monsieur ,pilot1 coming briskly to the rescue4 8,this is a surprise to ,mees ,reef4 ,my very good friend ,monsieur ,bristeed has not apprised the young lady of his bounty4 ,i have his commission to purchase for her this establishment1 which he is aware you desire to dispose of1 ,madame4 ,his recommendation of the young lady is surely sufficient40 8,the whole establishment80 ,i asked1 with an effort at composure4 8,yes10 replied ,madame4 8,i am obliged to start for the ,west ,indies1 and must dispose of all4 ,the present instructors are thoroughly competent for their various positions2 they merely need a supervisor4 ,you appear young1 but ,i presume experience has fitted you for the office40 8,eminently so1 eminently10 answered ,monsieur ,pilot promptly1 as if he had been guardian of my reputation for years4 8,we will consider the arrangements as complete1 my clear ,madame4 ,i will call tomorrow and close the transaction4 ,bon jour1 ,madame40 ,and with rapid strides he hurried me away4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,the school became mine4 ,by vigilance and perseverance1 ,i not only retained the pupils ,madame had transmitted to my care1 but added many thereto4 ,monsieur ,pilot1 lively and friendly1 visited me frequently4 ,i liked the little ,frenchman2 his gaiety served to divert my mind from reflections on the past1 which like spectres would sometimes stalk grimly before me when unoccupied1 ,i sought the quiet of my own chamber4 ,with my increasing success1 my pupils' interest fully occupied every moment of my time4 ,meantime1 not a line or word reached me from ,bristed ,hall4 ,upon my installment as proprietor of ,madame's seminary1 ,i had written to ,mr4 ,bristed1 thanking him for his kindness1 and informing him that ,i should take measures to repay the expenditures he had incurred in my behalf1 by placing quarterly in the hands of ,monsieur ,pilot a sum such as ,i could spare from my income1 by means of which ,i hoped in time to repay my external indebtedness4 ,the only reply ,i received to this letter was a peremptory refusal1 sent through ,monsieur ,pilot1 to accept any return4 ,i had been more than a year in my new home4 ,constant employment had developed my mind1 and ,i flattered myself on having acquired a wisdom and sedateness such as ten years of quiet experience could not have given me4 ,but of this ,i was lamentably mistaken4 ,of my silly yielding to circumstances which follow1 the reader must not judge too harshly4 ,i was still but an immature woman1 not yet twenty2 the glamour of youth still hung over me4 ,i craved human love1 and took the first that presented itself1 just as any other ardent1 imaginative girl in my place would have done4 ,one night late in autumn1 when the sharp winds were already giving signals of the coming winter1 of leafless trees and frozen ground1 feeling the usual sadness which accompanies this season of the year1 ,i walked out upon the piazza in front of the house1 looking down upon the street4 ,i thought the keen air would put my blood in more active circulation1 and thus dispel from my mind the brown and yellow fancies that filled it as the dying leaves of ,october strewed the ground4 ,my pupils had all retired to their rooms1 and relieved of my charge1 my thoughts were free to recreate4 ,i walked quickly back and forth1 drawing in long draughts of the invigorating air1 and reviewing the morning's duties4 ,while thus engaged1 my attention was arrested by the appearance of a tall man on the opposite side of the street1 standing still and watching me4 ,as he caught my startled gaze he lifted his hat and bowed1 and before ,i had time to reflect on his strange proceedings1 had crossed the street and was standing on the pavement below4 8,agnes60 ,my ,god1 he called me by name6 ,my blood became like ice4 ,shaking from head to foot ,i covered my eyes with my hands1 and would have run in1 but the whistling wind brought the cry again3 8,agnes6 ,let me speak with you40 ,quick as the words were uttered the dark figure mounted the stone steps1 only the little iron railing of the balcony dividing us4 ,i knew then who it was4 8,will you open the door1 or shall ,i80 said a voice which ,i remembered too well4 ,i saw no alternative1 without disturbing the neighborhood and betraying myself2 so1 like a criminal1 ,i stepped softly to the hall and unlocked the door4 ,he came in with a light1 free step1 and seated himself upon a couch with the ease of an old friend and accomplished gentleman4 ,it was ,richard ,bristed6 ,i will not detail what passed at this interview4 ,but ,i fell again under his fascination2 his magnetic presence lulled my faculties1 and1 alas1 ,i must relate that this nocturnal intrusion was followed quickly by others6 ,he assumed his old ascendancy over me4 ,the past became like an unpleasant dream in my mind1 dimly remembered1 but never distinctly recalled4 ,occasionally1 however1 a sharp doubt obtruded itself1 and roused me for an instant4 ,one evening ,i ventured to ask3 8,richard1 why are your visits so brief1 and made only in the night80 8,why80 he repeated1 as if startled by the suddenness of the question1 then adding carelessly3 8,because you always have that deuced old fellow1 ,monsieur ,pilot1 running here4 ,i am not very jealous1 yet it would torment me to meet one who dares raise his thoughts to my ,agnes4 ,he wants to marry you4 ,do dismiss him60 ,this conjecture proved true1 and ,i was obliged to give a cold rebuff to the man who had befriended me4 ,it is possible ,richard ,bristed did not care to be recognized by his brother's agent1 but ,i did not think of this at that time4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,after this affair happened ,richard visited me more openly1 and my pupils1 when by chance they met him1 were charmed with the stranger4 ,he was only known as 8,mr4 ,richard40 8,call me that1 ,agnes1 ,i hate the name of ,bristed4 ,introduce me to your friends as ,mr4 ,richard10 he said1 and ,i had done so4 ,about this time he explained satisfactorily1 to my credulous mind1 the cause of his sudden retreat from ,bristed ,hall1 and gave me reason to believe that the statements his brother had made concerning him were untrue and evil in design4 8,my brother1 as you have surely discovered1 ,agnes1 is a cold1 proud man1 and as ,i was not his equal in wealth or position he selected an heiress1 both old and disagreeable1 whom he designed me to marry4 ,your youth and beauty he intended to appropriate to himself4 ,i feared if ,i made him acquainted with my purpose to unite myself to you he would frustrate all my wishes1 and when ,i discovered that he knew of my plans1 ,i determined to forestall him by making you my wife that very night4 ,i intended to have gone through the form of marriage1 which the next day could have been legalized1 for ,i feared the influence of his wealth and position upon your unsophisticated mind4 8,however1 you refused to trust me1 and ,i left your room maddened by anger and the fear of losing you4 8,i met my brother in the hall-way2 he said ,herbert was ill1 and ,i accused him of trying to injure the boy that he might defraud me4 ,sharp words passed between us4 ,i left him1 and in blind haste mounted my horse1 thinking ,i would ride over to ,n41 a distance of some twenty miles1 to get the clergyman of the parish1 an intimate friend of mine1 to drive with me to the ,hall and perform the important ceremony4 8,the ride ,i accomplished in a few hours1 but ,i found my friend absent from home4 ,the excitement and disappointment1 added to the severe cold to which ,i was exposed1 broke me down1 and ,i was taken suddenly ill4 ,when ,i recovered1 ,i returned to ,bristed ,hall only to find my priceless bird flown1 and no clue to be had to her whereabouts4 8,as to the tale about ,herbert1 that is all a ruse2 he is not my son1 and only distantly connected with either of us4 ,he is heir to a considerable estate1 and ,mr4 ,bristed is managing so that upon ,herbert's decease 7and poor child1 he cannot live long7 the inheritance will fall to his lot40 ,such was his version of the story1 and as ,i loved him ,i believed it willingly4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,in his gay society the winter passed quickly4 ,with the opening spring he departed--on business1 as he said4 ,i felt his loss1 but as it was a busy time with me it did not affect me as it otherwise would have done4 ,many changes were being made in my seminary4 ,i was obliged to employ workmen to add new dormitories to the great house1 for pupils were crowding in from every point4 ,the reputation of the school was growing2 ,i was immersed in business4 ,some months elapsed2 ,i ceased to hear from ,richard1 almost to think of him1 amid the activity of the spring term4 8,circumstances10 some say1 8are the ,devil10 and ,i almost believe that saying4 ,while employed ,i was happy1 my mind well balanced and energetic2 but unfortunately for me1 summer vacation drew near4 ,it came finally2 a sultry sun1 parched earth1 and scorched verdure made life in the city undesirable4 ,my pupils fled to the country and to their homes until the fall session1 and ,i was left alone4 ,even my servants were absent1 all save one4 ,shut up in the empty mansion alone with my own thoughts1 ,i was growing morbidly lonesome4 ,it was at this unpropitious moment that ,richard ,bristed returned4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,he arranged quiet strolls to the country--little excursions here and there with himself as my sole companion--and many sweet happy days of unsullied pleasure ,i passed in his society4 ,one sultry morning1 to my delight1 he came in an open carriage1 saying that the atmosphere was so heated he would drive me out of town to a charming little village with which he was familiar4 ,the prospect of such a jaunt was to me indeed agreeable2 and as he liked to see me in becoming dress1 ,i arrayed myself in white1 placed a fillet of pale blue ribbon round my hair and a bouquet of blue forget-me-nots in the bosom of my dress1 and thus adorned set forth1 sitting by ,richard's side4 ,i was as happy as a young queen2 all the black suspicions which had darkened my horizon were absorbed in the fierce heat of that summer morning4 ,his beauty1 his fascinating smile1 his lively conversation1 filled me with rapture4 ,arrived at the village1 we stopped at a small but pretty tavern and alighted4 ,while ,i entered the dwelling ,richard drove his horses under shelter4 ,he soon joined me1 looking much disconcerted4 8,agnes1 my darling1 what shall we do8 ,we cannot ride back to-night2 the carriage is out of order1 and ,i fear the horse is injured by the heat and rapid driving40 8,o ,richard1 ,i must return home to-night60 ,i answered decidedly4 8,well1 ,i will see what can be done1 but we will rest awhile and take some refreshments40 ,a delightful half hour passed while we were regaling ourselves with country fare and looking at the strange place from the window of the little inn4 ,then ,richard proposed that we should walk out while waiting for repairs to our vehicle4 ,together we strolled through the quiet lanes and open commons till we came upon a pretty1 unpretending church1 half hidden in ivy and creeping vines4 ,the door stood open4 8,come10 said he1 8let us go in40 ,i followed him in4 ,to my surprise ,i discovered a clergyman in his robes at the altar4 ,richard whispered in my ear some words which ,i could not understand and their import ,i could only guess at1 but his tender manner brought the hot blood to my face4 8,agnes10 he continued1 speaking with quiet determination2 8you must be mine2 everything is in readiness4 ,we cannot return to-night2 ,fate ordains it60 ,it did appear to me that ,fate1 as he said1 ordained the events which followed that country drive4 ,all the love and sentiment of my nature was aroused2 but reason told my intoxicated senses that ,i must not act without forethought1 so ,i shook my head to his passionate urgency and endeavored to withdraw4 ,but my companion pressed me gently back into an open pew1 and hastened past me up the aisle4 ,a rapid conversation then took place between himself and the clergyman1 who1 after casting his eyes in my direction1 went to his desk and took up his prayer-book4 ,richard returned with quick steps to where ,i was sitting4 8,come10 said he1 smiling2 8he is waiting40 ,startled and trembling1 ,i made no answer save an effort to reach the door4 8,for heaven's sake1 ,agnes1 do not make a scene6 ,recover your usual good sense4 ,do you not see that it is best80 whispered ,richard1 with earnestness almost fierce4 ,and so hurried1 flushed and doubting1 overcome with heat and excitement1 ,i permitted myself to be led to the altar4 ,the ceremony soon ended4 ,as the clerk shut his book and we turned to depart1 ,i could not realize that this abrupt1 informal marriage was a reality4 ,as ,i passed down the aisle1 a white1 fluttering1 impalpable1 and yet clearly-defined form arose from one of the empty seats1 and unobstructed by carved wood or heavy upholstery1 passed out through frame and plaster6 ,the slight figure1 the golden hair1 ,i remembered too well--it was that of the ghost of ,bristed ,hall6 ,i clenched ,richard's arm so that he muttered an oath1 and said sharply1 8,my ,god1 ,agnes1 what are you doing80 8,did you not see that figure8 ,it passed straight through the wall10 ,i whispered in affright4 8,move on--none of your d--d nonsense1 ,agnes10 said ,richard1 scowling2 then hastily adding1 8,excuse me1 love1 you confuse me4 ,my happiness makes me forget myself40 ,my mind surged with conflicting emotions4 ,i felt a secret joy in the knowledge that ,i was united to the man ,i loved4 ,this romantic1 half run-away match pleased the romance of my nature1 and yet ,i was unable to resist the feeling that ,i had done wrong4 ,a strange foreboding of evil intruded upon my joy4 ,richard that evening was gay almost to wildness4 8,o ,agnes6 ,agnes6 we have outwitted them1 the fools6 ,they thought they had conquered me1 but you are mine1 and ,i have won60 ,he talked so disconnectedly1 ,i thought he had taken too much wine4 ,indeed1 to this he owned4 8,i could drink flask after flask of it1 ,i am so happy60 he exclaimed4 ,we were happy that night and drove home in the cool of the morning4 ,it was arranged that our marriage should for the present be kept private1 as ,richard thought if it were known it might disorganize my school4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,we had been wedded but two weeks when one morning ,richard asked me to show him my deed of the property4 8,how strange10 said he1 as he looked it over4 8,do you know1 ,agnes1 before ,i wedded you ,i might have married many a woman of wealth1 but ,i would not unite myself with a lady who would not honor me by giving me sole control of all her possessions40 8,well1 ,richard10 answered ,i1 laughing1 8you can control mine if you like4 ,it matters little to me who holds the deed1 so long as my dominion over the young ladies is not invaded40 8,that is what ,i expected of your1 loving nature1 ,agnes1 and yet ,i suppose you would hesitate to convey your property to me40 8,no2 why should ,i80 ,i exclaimed4 8,i will go with you to an attorney this moment1 if you desire it40 8,well1 come1 we shall see2 get your bonnet10 said he gaily4 ,i tied on my bonnet1 and accompanied him down the street into a little dingy office in a narrow thoroughfare4 ,at the door1 laying his hand upon my shoulder1 he said jokingly3 8,agnes1 go back1 ,i was only trying you2 ,i wanted to see if you meant what you said40 8,of course ,i meant it1 and ,i will not go back till it is done40 8,well1 well1 you must have your own way1 ,i see60 and with a gay1 exulting smile he led me into the office4 ,i signed the paper giving to him the house and lands1 and was glad when it was done1 for ,i felt that it might atone for any suspicion or doubt of his goodness which had crossed my mind1 for he had made me very happy since our marriage4 ,i returned to my school and its duties4 ,in the interval between the recitations1 ,i had time to reflect4 ,i had acted impulsively1 and perhaps unfairly4 ,what right had ,i to give away a property given to me for an especial purpose8 ,had ,i done right8 ,that was the question which annoyed me--the question which constantly thrust itself before me during the live-long day4 ,my sleep that night was disturbed4 ,the form of the elder ,mr4 ,bristed appeared in my dreams4 ,he seemed to reproach me by his looks1 and when ,i endeavored to speak to him1 vanished from my sight4 ,richard had left me after my signing the paper4 ,he told me he was obliged to leave town on business1 and ,i had no one to council with4 ,my own thoughts startled me2 ,i became nervous1 and finally quite ill4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,at length1 after two days of unrest and self-condemnation1 ,i quieted myself with the assurance that ,i would go to the ,hall and see ,mr4 ,bristed2 then also ,i could see dear ,herbert1 to whom my heart went often out with longing4 ,his name was never mentioned between ,richard and myself4 ,i avoided the subject2 a dread which ,i could not overcome forbade me to speak of it4 ,but now a strange1 irrepressible desire to see the child filled my mind4 ,yielding to this intense feeling1 ,i arranged my affairs1 and taking a coach1 set off early in the morning for the train which would convey me to ,bristed ,hall4 ,to my astonishment ,i met ,richard at the depot4 ,overwhelmed with surprise at the encounter1 and ashamed to confess my intended journey1 ,i made some petty excuse for being there1 and returned home again4 ,richard handed me into the cab1 but excused himself from accompanying me as he had a friend awaiting him4 ,that day1 after luncheon1 taking me aside he informed me that a noble lord had placed in his charge a lad who was partially idiotic and sole heir to an immense estate2 that it was necessary he should have at his disposal a room in the upper part of the building in which he could keep him from observation1 as it had been discovered the sight of strangers increased the boy's malady1 and perfect seclusion would be the only means of restoring him to reason4 ,i immediately directed a servant to put in order one of the rooms in a remote portion of the dwelling2 this was done1 and towards dusk ,richard1 who had left the house1 returned in a handsome coach with the poor1 helpless1 deranged boy4 ,from the window ,i saw them alight4 ,a slight1 tall figure1 wrapped in a cloak1 descended from the coach4 ,this undoubtedly was the afflicted youth4 ,he walked so feebly ,i should have hastened to his assistance1 but ,richard's command that ,i should not permit him to see strange faces withheld me4 ,however1 ,i stood in the partly opened door1 hoping ,i should be called4 ,as the muffled figure passed me on the way up the staircase ,i vainly sought to catch a glimpse of the youth's face1 but he turned neither to the right nor left4 ,richard1 however1 saw me and shook his head1 indicating with an angry1 peremptory gesture1 that ,i should withdraw4 ,for days ,i felt a strange curiosity about this youth1 but as ,richard gave my inquisitiveness no food1 and conducted his attentions to his charge in an orderly1 business-like manner1 ,i dismissed the subject from my mind4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,nothing new transpired the remainder of those autumn days4 ,november was now close upon us4 ,about this time ,i remarked a sudden falling off of my hitherto prosperous school4 ,determined to know the cause1 ,i inquired of one of my assistants1 in whom ,i confided1 if she was aware of the cause of this decline4 ,she hesitated to reply to my question1 but when pressed for her opinion she informed me that my pupils were dissatisfied with my relations with ,mr4 ,richard1 and also with his conduct respecting the youth who had been imprisoned on the upper floor4 ,they asserted they had heard groans proceeding from the room he occupied1 and feared to remain in a house where mystery and secrecy were rife4 ,i was astonished and alarmed at this information4 ,you1 reader1 will be surprised to learn that ,i was at that time more ignorant of events that transpired around me than my own pupils4 ,but ,i was not of a suspicious nature1 and happy in my new life of love1 the few weeks that had elapsed since my marriage passed as in a delicious dream4 ,but now ,i was thoroughly aroused and ready to return to duty4 ,i thanked the teacher for her information and then dismissed her1 as ,i wished to be alone4 ,when left to the quiet of my own thoughts ,i reflected how best to proceed in the matter4 ,richard was not at home1 ,i could not question him1 and he had the key of his ward's room with him4 ,i finally concluded ,i would go to the door of this private room and listen if ,i could detect any unusual noise from within4 ,with trepidation ,i ascended the back staircase leading to the secluded apartment4 ,near the door ,i paused against the alcove of the great window that lighted the hall1 and looked out4 ,the sky was dull and leaden2 a scanty snow was falling1 and the wind1 blowing furiously1 drove it hither and yon4 ,i stood for some moments looking out upon the gloomy prospect so in accordance with my state of mind4 ,suddenly ,i caught a glimpse of ,richard crossing the street4 ,i started when ,i saw him and was about to retreat1 when a thought arrested me4 ,why should ,i hurry away8 ,was ,i afraid of ,richard8 ,was he not the proper person to consult in my dilemma8 ,i would let him know that ,i desired to enter the room6 ,so thinking1 ,i approached the door and tried it4 ,it was locked1 but at the sound of the turning knob a sad1 dreary moan arose from within--a cry of mingled fear and weakness4 ,the sound of that moaning voice seemed familiar to my ear4 ,what could it mean8 ,as ,i stood thus in suspense1 listening for further development of the mystery1 ,i heard a step close beside me4 ,i turned1 and discovered ,richard4 ,his fair1 handsome face scowled at me fiendishly2 his countenance seemed transformed2 his eyes gleamed like those of a panther4 8,what are you doing here80 said he1 laying a heavy hand upon me and speaking through his set teeth4 8,go down stairs60 and he pushed me from him violently4 ,i suppose his physical power and angry mood awed me1 for ,i forgot my determination to solve the mystery--forgot my own rights1 and hurried precipitately down the stairs4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,with my mind filled with dreadful forebodings1 ,i reached my own private chamber1 entered it1 and bolted the door1 that ,i might consider1 undisturbed1 the best course of action to pursue under these fearful suspicions that haunted me4 ,hour after hour passed as ,i sat thus absorbed in thought which seemed to turn my very hair gray from its intensity4 ,i heard ,richard descend the stairs and go out into the street4 ,not long2 after this the door-bell rang violently and the servant knocked at my door to say that a gentleman in the drawing-room wished to see me4 ,smoothing my hair and arranging my toilet1 ,i obeyed the summons1 but started back on discovering the stranger to be no other than ,mr4 ,bristed4 ,he pressed my hands and said3 8,agnes1 can ,i converse with you in private here a few moments80 ,my first surprise over1 ,i answered1 8,come with me2 we will not be disturbed here40 ,withdrawing to a small room adjoining1 he drew forward an ottoman and seating himself beside me1 said3 8,agnes1 ,herbert is missing2 can you tell me where ,i can find him80 8,herbert missing60 said ,i with a shudder4 8,yes10 said he1 8,i have heard1 ,agnes1 that a gentleman visits you whom ,i surmise to be my brother1 and1 if so1 ,i thought perhaps you would know through him of ,herbert's place of hiding40 8,has ,herbert left you80 said ,i4 8,tell me--what do you mean1 ,mr4 ,bristed80 8,yes10 said he2 8some few weeks since1 ,i left the ,hall to visit an old friend4 ,i expected to be absent a fortnight4 ,while ,i was gone ,herbert disappeared1 the servants knew not how nor where4 ,at first1 hoping to discover that he had strayed off of his own accord and would soon be found1 they searched the country in every direction1 but in vain4 ,they were at last obliged to send me word of his disappearance4 ,you can imagine my sensations on arriving at the ,hall and finding the dear child's room vacant4 ,i made inquiries in every quarter1 sent couriers out in all parts of the neighboring country1 but no trace of him could be found4 8,i at length thought of you1 that you might have seen or heard of my brother4 ,he is the one person likely to be concerned in the singular disappearance of ,herbert40 ,i trembled from head to foot4 ,what could ,i say8 ,evidently he was not aware of my marriage with his brother4 ,how should ,i act8 ,richard might come in at any moment and discover himself4 ,i recollected him to have incidentally mentioned that the following day he had an engagement at the race-course with a friend2 ,i therefore said hurriedly3 8,mr4 ,bristed1 ,i have seen ,richard recently1 but tonight can tell you nothing further4 ,if you will call to-morrow morning at eleven1 ,i will tell you all ,i know40 ,he seized my hand1 exclaiming1 8,tell me to-night1 ,agnes1 and set my mind at ease40 ,my head seemed on fire--,i groaned audibly4 8,i can tell you nothing of a certainty4 ,it is all surmise1 and my brain is distracted to-night4 ,give me till to-morrow40 8,i will1 ,agnes2 ,i feel that ,i can confide in you40 8,now go10 ,i replied4 8,my position is such that your presence here will only destroy the purpose of your visit40 ,he clasped my hand in his and left me4 ,the next morning before leaving for the racecourse1 while adjusting his neck-tie1 ,richard said3 8,i fear we shall lose our imbecile pupil up-stairs1 ,ag4 ,i brought a doctor in to see him last night1 and he says he cannot live long40 ,i could not see his face1 for he looked persistently away4 8,if he is ill1 ,i must see him1 ,richard10 ,i managed to reply4 8,oh1 no60 said he2 8,i thought you were foolishly scared to hear him groan yesterday1 but if he does not get better ,i will send him home to his friends40 ,this he said carelessly1 as he walked out of the room humming a lively air4 ,how coolly he talks about the lad6 thought ,i1 half ashamed of my suspicions4 ,perhaps ,i have wronged him4 ,i have been too impetuous in my surmises4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,the time drew near for his brother's arrival4 ,he was prompt to the hour4 8,well1 ,agnes10 said he1 8,i have passed a sleepless night4 ,i hope you will relieve my mind of its anxiety40 8,mr4 ,bristed10 said ,i1 covering my eyes with my hand1 for ,i could not endure his eager gaze1 8,i must first tell you ,i am married to your brother ,richard40 8,married to ,richard60 he exclaimed1 starting up violently agitated2 and seizing my shoulder with nervous gripe he set me off from him at arm's length--8,you married to ,richard6 why1 ,agnes1 that cannot be2 has he not a wife now living in ,france8 ,but be calm1 child10 said he1 8be calm10 patting me gently on the head2 8perhaps ,i am misinformed2 we will talk of this hereafter4 ,now about ,herbert4 ,tell me what you know40 ,this question recalled me4 ,i then informed him of the idiotic pupil who had been received in the house about a fortnight since1 and how my suspicions as to his identity had been aroused the day previous4 ,he could scarcely wait till ,i had finished my account4 8,come1 quick6 come6 show me the way to the room60 ,i led him up the stairs in the direction of the suspected chamber4 ,as we neared the door a low moan could be heard distinctly4 8,o my ,god1 it is ,herbert60 he exclaimed4 8,quick1 where is the key80 8,i have no key--you must pry the lock open40 ,no sooner said than done--he burst open the door and entered4 ,i followed4 ,alas6 our surmises proved too true6 ,there upon the couch lay the wasted form of poor ,herbert4 ,as he recognized us his wan face lighted up with an angelic smile1 and he endeavored to raise himself at our coming1 but he was too weak1 and his head sank nerveless back upon the pillow4 ,silently and hushed1 as in the chamber of death1 we stepped to his bedside4 ,he held out his thin hand to his uncle1 who clasped it between his own1 and1 kneeling by his couch1 bowed his head and sobbed aloud4 ,his first moments of bitter grief subsiding1 he said to me1 8,send for some wine40 ,then1 stroking the child's fair forehead1 he groaned1 8,o ,herbert1 ,herbert1 have ,i found you at last1 sick and alone60 ,herbert attempted to reply1 but his voice was weak and faint2 we could not distinguish his words4 ,a servant brought the wine1 and ,i moistened his colorless lips with it4 ,how ,i felt1 it is useless to describe4 ,words would fail to express my terror4 ,the rich1 warm juice of the grape and the application of stimulants seemed to restore him to life4 ,his first effort on recovering was to call me by name4 ,i answered by bending over him and bathing his pale forehead4 ,at this he smiled1 pleased and happy4 8,now1 ,herbert1 my poor boy10 said ,mr4 ,bristed1 8if it will not fatigue you too much to talk1 tell us how you came here4 ,who brought you8 ,why did you leave ,bristed ,hall80 8,uncle ,richard brought me10 said he1 heaving a melancholy sigh4 8,he came after you had gone1 uncle1 and told me that ,agnes ,reef was sick and going to die1 and wanted to see me and you1 and that if you were home you would let me go1 because you loved her2 and ,i thought so too4 ,he gave me this ring which ,agnes sent so ,i would know it was her40 ,and1 saying this1 he held up a thin1 transparent hand1 and there1 indeed1 upon it gleamed one of my rings1 so loose that the wasted fingers could scarce retain it4 8,my ring6 ,so ,richard gave you that10 said ,i1 with scorn ,i could not conceal1 even in the sick chamber4 8,yes10 he murmured1 8and he told me he would bring me straight back before uncle got home1 and he brought me here into this room1 but ,agnes was not here4 ,i could not find her4 ,then he locked the door and would not let me out1 and ,i have been hungry and cold4 ,and when ,i cried1 he would kick me1 and that made me sick1 ,i think4 ,do take me home1 uncle1 before he comes1 and ,i will never go away again60 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,during this recital ,mr4 ,bristed and ,i exchanged glances of horror4 ,we could not speak4 ,when it was finished1 he said3 8,agnes1 order the coach4 ,i must take him away from this place40 ,i felt that the boy was too feeble to move1 but ,i dared not suggest it4 ,i too wanted him removed from the baneful influences of the house4 ,we proposed to carry him down on the pallet1 and thus convey him to the carriage4 ,one hour or more elapsed before everything was in readiness4 ,while we were moving him ,richard appeared1 unannounced4 ,a wild1 unearthly scream from ,herbert first gave notice of his arrival4 8,o uncle6 ,miss ,reef6 save me6 ,he will beat me to death60 ,his uncle endeavored to calm him with his assurance of protection1 and1 turning to ,richard1 in a voice husky with emotion said3 8,look1 this1 is your work6 ,if there is a ,god ruling the universe1 your punishment1 though tardy1 must be sure40 8,i see nothing strange about it10 said ,richard1 with an assumption of indifference which made his handsome face look to me at that moment like that of a ,judas4 8,if he is my child1 as you say1 why should he not be here8 ,who has a better right to him than ,i8 ,the little imp professes to dislike me1 but that is some of your teaching1 and ,i will soon cure him of it40 8,you cannot have him1 ,richard4 ,he must go with me40 8,i know my rights1 and ,i will use them10 he replied1 excitedly4 8,move that boy at your peril20 and he clapped his hand upon his silver-mounted pocket-pistol4 ,he had evidently been drinking4 ,his day at the race-course had maddened him4 ,he was in a dangerous mood to oppose4 ,this ,mr4 ,bristed evidently saw1 as ,i did1 for he beckoned me to go out for assistance4 ,as ,i was moving toward the door for that purpose1 ,richard's eye lit upon me4 8,ah1 ha60 shouted he1 coming toward me4 8,so you are the one who has been prying into my affairs4 ,it is you ,i must thank for this interference4 ,out of this room directly6 ,get you gone60 ,i should have obeyed1 but a sound from ,herbert's bed arrested me--a sound that awed me more than the angry voice of ,richard6 ,i hurried to the bedside4 ,mr4 ,bristed was there before me4 ,i looked at the sinking boy4 ,a stronger hand than his father's grasped him now4 ,that hand was ,death's6 ,no need now to remove the little sufferer from his couch to the carriage in waiting4 ,he would be borne soon by the white-robed angels from the reach of us all6 ,even ,richard1 whose cruel grasp he had eluded1 seemed awed as the little spirit burst from its tenement1 and a transcendent smile settled on the thin1 waxen face1 and the white hands folded themselves across the breast with an air of unutterable peace4 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,early the next morning ,mr4 ,bristed accompanied the lifeless body of little ,herbert to ,bristed ,hall4 ,he begged me to go with him1 but ,i refused his solicitations4 ,i had other duties before me1 which ,i must perform4 ,i should have been glad to have rid myself from every one1 but that could not be4 ,richard did not return1 and ,i was alone2 the days dragged heavily away4 ,i felt that ,i stood on the brink of a yawning chasm from which ,i could turn neither to the right nor the left4 ,the thought of remaining with ,richard was abhorrent1 and the prospect of leaving him and commencing life anew was also a dreadful alternative4 ,what shall ,i do8--,i reflected1 as ,i went my weary way through the classes4 ,richard solved that question for me when he returned after an absence of three days4 ,my pupils had just retired when a message came that he had returned and desired to see me in the library4 ,with a heavy heart ,i went to meet him4 ,he was not alone4 ,a tall1 passionate-looking woman1 with dark hair and restless eyes1 sat beside him4 ,she was richly appareled1 and gazed at me with a haughty stare as ,i entered4 ,richard nodded to me a bare recognition and said1 8,i have sent for you1 as ,i wish you to inform your pupils that they must leave in the morning4 ,i have other uses for this building40 ,at this cool announcement ,i staggered4 ,good ,god6 would he undo me8 ,what plan had he now in view8 8,remove my pupils60 ,i exclaimed4 8,yes2 do ,i not speak clearly8 ,and as you have been plotting and scheming for some time against me1 ,i would advise you to leave1 also4 ,bristed ,hall10 said he sneeringly1 8is likely to prove an agreeable shelter to you40 8,i leave60 said ,i1 now fairly awake to the danger4 8,what do you mean1 sir80 8,i mean10 he replied with diabolical blandness1 8that this lady is my wife1 and will from this time take charge of this establishment40 8,richard ,bristed1 you cannot1 dare not make that assertion6 ,i am your wife1 though ,i acknowledge it with shame and sorrow4 ,he has misled you1 madam10 said ,i1 turning to the lady4 8,you are mistaken if you suppose ,i shall abandon my rights40 8,ha1 ha60 he laughed1 8she knows all about you4 ,you cannot enlighten her1 so you had better hasten and pack your trunks40 8,i shall not leave1 sir2 ,i shall defend my position here4 ,i am a woman1 and you shall not sully my fair name10 said ,i1 maddened by his manner4 8,your brother will help me--the law will aid me4 ,here ,i remain60 8,you will80 said he2 8we will see4 ,this house is mine10 and he drew out his pistol with which to frighten me4 8,richard10 said ,i1 hoping to restore him to calmness1 8put up that pistol4 ,you cannot1 dare not use it40 8,dare not60 he exclaimed1 coming up to me1 his hot breath smelling of wine2 8,i will show you if ,i dare not60 ,i was alarmed as he suddenly cocked the weapon4 ,what might he not do in his drunken excitement8 8,she is a coward1 ,dick10 said the lady4 8,don't trouble yourself about her10 and then turning to me and stamping her foot1 8,how dare you say you are his wife60 she exclaimed4 8,go out from here60 ,i shook from head to foot1 but did not leave4 8,come1 ,dick1 give me the pistol10 said the lady2 8,you don't know what you might do with it40 8,don't meddle with me10 said he1 as she attempted to wrest it from his grasp4 8,why does that girl stand glowering at me80 8,o ,richard10 ,i sobbed1 8my heart is ready to burst6 ,don't act so2 remember ,herbert60 8,remember ,herbert60 he muttered2 8,i do remember him4 ,you killed him with your pranks1 and now you would accuse me4 ,go1 leave my house1 or ,i will compel you40 ,i believe he would have fired upon me at that moment1 but the lady sprang forward and caught his arm4 ,a slight struggle ensued1 then followed a sharp report1 and the pistol fell to the ground2 a fearful shriek rent the air1 and ,richard fell heavily to the floor1 covered with blood4 ,i rushed to help him4 ,he raised his glassy eyes to mine1 and faintly murmuring 8,my ,god6 ,i am lost60 expired4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,the shock was too much for me4 ,i was seized with fearful dizziness4 ,the objects in the room became black before my eyes1 and ,i fell to the floor beside the bleeding corpse1 insensible4 ,convulsions1 ,i was afterwards told1 followed this swoon4 ,a raging fever attacked me1 and for weeks my life was despaired of4 ,at length the crisis passed2 my youthful constitution conquered the disease1 and ,i was again restored to the world in which ,i had experienced so much joy and so much misery4 ,one morning the delicious feeling of returning consciousness revived me4 ,where was ,i8 ,the room looked familiar1 yet strange4 ,surely ,i had seen that silken coverlet before6 ,the carved footboard of the bed on which ,i was lying was not new to my sight4 ,my weak brain was busy with conjectures1 when a woman approached1 carrying a glass and spoon4 ,it was ,mary1 the housekeeper of ,bristed ,hall4 8,why1 ,mary1 are you here80 ,i asked in surprise4 8,yes1 ,miss1 but you must not talk4 ,take these drops4 ,i am heartily glad you are better1 ,miss40 ,a sense of rest and peace stole over me1 followed by a few hours of natural sleep4 ,on opening my eyes from this refreshing slumber1 ,i found ,mary still sitting near me4 8,mary10 said ,i1 8you must tell me where ,i am2 everything here looks so natural1 and yet as if ,i were in a dream40 8,you are not dreaming1 ,miss4 ,you are in your own chamber in ,bristed ,hall40 ,bristed ,hall6 ,a warm gush of gratitude pervaded my being4 ,so ,i was not friendless6 ,i was cared for4 8,where is ,mr4 ,bristed80 ,i asked after a pause4 8,we have persuaded him to drive out1 miss1 as the doctor said you were out of danger4 ,anxiety for you and grief for ,herbert's death have quite taken his strength away40 8,i must get up1 ,mary4 ,you must help me to dress40 8,oh no1 miss60 she replied2 8you are not strong enough yet40 8,i am quite strong4 ,besides1 it will revive me2 ,i am weary of the bed1 and need a change40 ,she acquiesced in my wish1 dressed me neatly1 and smoothed my hair4 8,now1 take me down10 ,i requested4 8,i wish to surprise ,mr4 ,bristed40 ,of course she remonstrated1 said ,i would bring on the fever again1 and all that2 but as ,i persisted in my determination1 she led me down the stairs4 ,the fresh air invigorated me2 ,i felt every minute increased power4 ,at my request1 she took me to ,mr4 ,bristed's conservatory4 ,the bright flowers1 the singing birds in their ornamented cages1 and the adjoining study with its well-filled shelves1 all reminded me of the past4 ,tears came to my eyes as ,i recalled the bitter changes ,i had seen since leaving that sunny home6 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,i had not been long in the conservatory when ,i heard the wheels of a carriage4 ,mr4 ,bristed had returned4 ,he ascended the steps3 ,i heard his voice in the hall4 ,his first words were an inquiry after my welfare4 ,he was told that ,i was better4 ,passing through his apartments1 he entered the study4 ,i could see him plainly from the windows of the conservatory4 ,he looked1 ,i thought1 thin and sad2 his hair had become sprinkled with gray since the time when ,i resided in his mansion4 ,turning to ,mary1 who was waiting there for me1 he said3 8,i feel faint2 bring me a cup of tea40 ,mary left the room on her mission1 and ,i stole from my hiding place4 8,mr4 ,bristed10 whispered ,i1 coming softly up behind his chair4 ,he started4 8,whose voice is that8 ,agnes1 where are you80 8,here1 sir10 ,i answered1 as ,i touched him lightly4 ,he turned toward me1 his face flushed with pleasure1 his eyes expectant4 8,you1 ,agnes--you1 verily8 ,how came you here8 ,i thought you were ill off your pillow4 ,what pleasant trick is this you have been playing me80 ,then taking both my hands in his and surveying me1 his eyes the while beaming with soft pleasure1 he said3 8,oh1 ,i am so happy that you are better4 ,but you are wrong to come here2 you will make yourself ill again40 ,i told him how ,i had awakened1 and of my glad surprise in finding myself in my old chamber again1 and how ,i had insisted on coming down to thank him for his kindness in bringing me hither4 8,don't thank me1 ,agnes2 for you ,i could do anything4 ,this place shall always be your home4 ,some day1 ,agnes1 you may learn to appreciate the worth of a heart that truly loves you40 ,i fell upon my knees before him4 8,o ,mr4 ,bristed1 ,i do appreciate60 ,i cried4 8,i do know that you love me4 ,let me live for you4 ,let me by a life of devotion atone for the mistakes of the past60 ,he lifted me up1 and folded me to his breast4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,a few weeks of balmy spring air and soft sunshine completely restored me to health4 ,one day when strolling in company with ,mr4 ,bristed through a path blooming with early hyacinths and crocuses1 ,i ventured to ask him about my school4 8,it is entirely broken up1 ,agnes4 ,after the fearful tragedy that transpired within its walls1 your pupils scattered like dust in the wind4 ,i arrived the next morning after the death of ,richard1 unconscious of what had occurred in my absence1 but intending to take you home with me4 ,i found you1 as ,i then thought1 on your death-bed4 ,i settled with your separate teachers1 and closed the school4 ,with the ,french woman who claimed to be ,richard's wife1 and with whom he had probably gone through the form of marriage1 as with you1 ,i made an arrangement satisfactory to her to sell the property and give her an equivalent for its value40 8,but what motive10 ,i asked hesitatingly1 8could ,richard have had for his course80 8,motive8 ,the same that had actuated him through life4 ,with you1 ,agnes1 he would have lived probably as he did with others1 until his versatile heart demanded a change4 ,then1 with your little estate in his hands and ,herbert's property in his power1 he would have deserted you for some new beauty4 8,but let the grave cover his mistakes and evils4 ,i believe that a good ,god will not punish him too severely for propensities which he inherited40 ,once more ,i yielded to the charms of companionship and love4 ,severe trials had proved ,mr4 ,bristed's worth1 and when he again asked me to make the remnant of his life happy by my care and love--to become his wife1 and share his home1 and reign queen of his heart--,i consented4 ,when the ,june roses blossomed1 we were married4 ,the balmy air and opening buds spoke of a new life4 ,they typified my new life1 truly4 ,the glitter and gloss which had deceived me in youth would never beguile me more4 ,i had learned that it was not the external man1 but the internal that was worthy of love4 ,the shadowy form of ,alice never troubled me again1 ,i believe reparation can be made beyond the tomb1 and that in some far-off world the new-born spirit of ,richard atones to ,alice and ,herbert for the wrong he did them in this4 ,,elizabeth ,,barrett ,,browning ,,to ,,her ,,husband4 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,you cannot see her in her glad surprise1 ,kissing the tear-drops from your weeping eyes2 ,moving about you through the ambient air1 ,smoothing the whitening ripples of your hair4 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,you cannot see the flowers she daily twines ,in garlands for you1 from immortal vines2 ,the danger she averts you never know2 ,for her sweet care you only tears bestow4 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,vainly you'll wait until the last trump sound6 ,vainly your love entombed beneath the ground6 ,vainly in kirk-yard raise your mournful wail6 ,your loved is living in some sunnier vale4 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,you think her gone to her eternal rest1 ,like some strange bird forever left her nest6 ,her sweet voice hush'd within the silent grave1 ,while o'er her dust the weeping willows wave4 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,and yet she lives1 and loves6 ,oh1 wondrous truth6 ,in golden skies she breathes immortal youth6 ,look upward6 where the roseate sunset beams1 ,her airy form amid the brightness gleams6 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,oh1 speak not thus6 her tender heart you grieve1 ,and 'twixt her love and yours a barrier weave6 ,call her by sweetest name1 your voice she'll hear1 ,and through the darkness like a star appear4 ,dead6 dead6 ,you call her dead6 ,lift up your eyes6 she is no longer dead6 ,in your lone path the unseen angels tread6 ,and when your weary night of earth shall close1 ,she'll lead you where eternal summer blows4 ,,artemus ,,ward4 ,,and ,,out ,,of ,,purgatory4 ,,artemus ,,ward',s ,,lectures ,,to ,,poor1 ,,perishing ,,humanity4 ,,lecter ,i4 ,you'll remember1 relatives and nabors1 how ,i crost the ,atlantic ,ocean and never agin set foot on my native soil4 ,i naterally thought my opportunities there1 in the ,british ,mooseum and with those ,egyptian ,carcusses dun up in rags1 and remaining for the space of six days and six nights with a skeleton grinning at me and pointing its long skinless fingers in my face and looking in an awful licentious manner1 showing its pivoted legs--,i say ,i naterally thought such an unheard-of experience would have prepared me for 8the awful change0 that follered4 ,but it didn't4 ,one nite1 cummin' hum from the ,mooseum1 where ,i had been instructin' and elevatin' several thousand pussons1 male and female1 ,i innocently swallered a fog--swallered it hull4 ,i'd bin swallerin on 'em ever since ,i'd bin in ,england1 but that night ,i took in a bigger one than ever1 and it made me sick4 ,i sent for the physicians that received the patronage of the noble lords and dooks and they made me sicker2 and finally for the physicain 8to her most gracious majisty the ,queen of ,great ,britain10--but their aristocratic attention to me was of no use4 ,as ,i lie tossing on what is known as 8the bed of pain10 ,i seed a big light coming through the dark towards me4 ,behind that light appeared a grim skeleton1 just like the pictur of ,death in the ,alminack1 walkin' on tiptoe toward me2 and quicker than a wink he put out his long bony hand and touched me--firstly1 in the pit of the stomach1 so ,i couldn't holler2 nextly1 he pressed his finger tips on my eye-balls1 and they sunk right back into their sockets4 ,i tried to shake him off1 and to yell1 but ,i couldn't6 ,then ,i knew ,i was 8dun fur40 ,next came what a printer's devil would call a ---- blank4 ,i was skeered out of my seven senses1 and when ,i cum to and tried to recolect myself1 ,i was like the old woman in the song who fell asleep1 and 8,by came a pedlar and his name was ,stout ,and he cut her petticoats all round about2 ,he cut her petticoats up to her knees1 ,which made the old woman begin for to freeze40 ,i was in the same predicament1 for ,i was now only in my bare bones1 and knew ,i was a rolecking old skeleton4 ,wall1 it gin me an awful shock to find myself like a skull and cross-bones on a tombstone1 sittin' on my own coffin6 ,presently ,i was grappled by a big worm with a hundred legs4 ,he then sent for his feller worms1 and they licked me from skull to toe-jint4 ,after ,i had stood the lickin' as long as ,i could 7they tickled so71 ,i concluded to run away1 so ,i started on a full gallop1 and arter ,i had run awhile1 where should ,i fetch up but in the vicinity of ,vic's ,palace4 ,i know'd by pussonal experience suthin' of the feelin' manner with which the ,british public look upon the ,royal ,family1 and a sensation of relief cum over my mind as ,i thought if ,i once entered their ground no one dared foiler me4 ,so ,i gin a spring and leaped right atop of the middle chimny4 ,owin' to private considerations1 ,i did'nt mind the soot1 but ,i clambered down1 and there ,i was1 to my amazement1 rite in the private apartments of the ,queen4 ,she was sittin' at a table lookin' at a dogerotipe of ,prince ,albert2 and ,i walked straight up to her1 not feel in' a bit afeared1 and making my manners1 axed her if ,i didn't resemble the ,prince8--rememberin' that the preacher had kindly said over my coffin that 8there was no distinction in the grave40 ,i thought that as ,i was a pooty gay image of ,death1 ,i might remind her of the 8,prince ,consort40 ,she looked up kinder sideways as ,i spoke1 but she must have bin a leetle hard o' hearing1 for she shook her head4 ,then ,i thought ,i'd try her on another tack4 ,so ,i placed my hands on my shakey knees1 and bendin' over in this guise1 so she could see me plainly1 while my teeth rattled in my skull as ,i shook my head at her and growled3 8,haint you afeared of me1 ,madam80 ,with the pirsistent obstinacy of the feminine gender1 she refused to notice me4 ,so ,i thought she was kinder 8set up on her pins10 and ,i shouted louder3 8,victoria ,brown6 ,aint you afeared of me8 ,aint you afeared ,i'll tell ,prince ,albert of your dooins80 ,at that she gin an awful yell1 and flung herself down upon a yaller satin divan1 trimed with gold1 and slobbered it all over with tears4 ,i know'd then ,i had a 8mission to perform10 and that my fleshless bones were not given me for useless pleasure1 but as a 8warnin' to my race40 ,arter this adventer ,i left the palace as ,i had entered it1 8leavin' not a trace behind me40 ,since that affair1 ,i have bin goin' about 8doin' good10 frightnin' the wicked into fits1 and follerin' in the steps of the parsen1 and thus working my way out of ,purgatory4 ,,lecter ,,ii4 ,,artemus ,,ward4--,,out ,,of ,,purgatory4 ,relatives and nabors1--,thinkin' you'll1 like to know whether ,i'd bin roastin' in brimstone1 along with ,solomen and ,lot's wife1 and that you might feel consarned to know sumthin' about my further adventers1 ,i'll continoo4 ,one mornin' soon after this1 havin' spent a restless nite1 ,i was thinkin' what ,i had best do1 when ,i seed1 cumin' rite out of a big marble edifice1 a nice little woman about as raw-boned as myself4 ,as she carried an open paper in her hand which was certified to by two bishops and three clergeymen that she'd bin baptised and her sins washed away1 ,i felt it would be safe for me to foller her1 knowin' ,i had no such dockerment to admit me into the good graces of ,abraham or ,peter1 or whatever porter might keep the gates of ,paradise4 ,she seemed kinder skeered and tremblin' like for a minit1 not knowin' what to do2 then with a sudden start she spread herself out just like the eagel of ,ameriky1 and soared rite up into the sky with nothin' to histe her by4 ,i felt in my heart to foller her1 and spread out just as she did1 keeping near her on the sly4 ,as she went on she began to shine like a star1 shootin' on through the azure heavens for all the world like a sky-rocket4 ,that put me on my pluck1 and ,i bust out just like a sky-rocket too4 ,my blazers6 ,if it didn't make my head spin4 ,when ,i collected my idees1 ,i thought ,i'd look and see if ,i resembled a glow-worm behind1 and there1 by thunder1 was a long stream of light1 just like the tail of a comet6 ,i tell you1 ,i felt happy6 ,she's regenerated me1 thought ,i2 and ,i1 too1 am one of the 8shining hosts06 ,and then directly1 without any warnin' or noise of any kind1 all around began to look about the color of a yaller sun-flower1 and ,i began to scent a powerful smell of roses and violets4 ,the female sank down in the golden air1 and ,i kept cluss beside her1 and as she kept droppin' she suddenly changed1 like the old woman in the fairy-book1 into a bouncin' girl1 the very pictur of the goddess of liberty6 ,arter this1 she turned and smiled on me4 ,she looked just like alabaster cream2 the most dazzlingest creetur that ever startled the beholder6 ,i was took quite aback when she held out her little hand for mine2 ,i felt kinder delicate like that she should see my big jints4 ,but howsomever1 8here goes10 said ,i1 and ,i stuck out my bony fist1 and1 by ,jupiter1 it was kivered with flesh1 jest as soft and delicate as ,uncle ,sam's babies666 ,i stood starin' from my hands to her about a minit1 and then she bust out a-laughin'1 and ,i bust out a-laughin' too6 8,how shaller you be60 said she4 8,it's duced amoosin'10 said ,i4 8,who be you80 said she4 8,artemus ,ward1 the great lecterer on #8,women's ,rites and ,mormons1'0 said ,i4 ,at this she seemed mighty tickled4 8,i heerd you speak on those momentous subjects in ,liverpool10 said she4 8,and arter that when ,i read the affectin' account of your death in a strange land1 ,i cried40 8,cried80 said ,i1 8,i'm much obleeged to you1 but there's nothin' to cry for as ,i know40 8,so there be'nt10 said she1 puckerin' up her pretty little mouth2 8but tell me1 now1 is this reely you80 8,i don't know10 said ,i1 8whether its reely myself or not1 for ,i haven't seed myself--how do ,i look80 ,she naterally blushed and answered3 8,ansom40 ,that was too much for me4 ,i took her round her waist and whispered--,i wont tell you what4 ,she shook her head so that the ringlets fell downall over her neck like the ashes from a tobaccy pipe1 and in a mighty reprovin' manner said3 8,artemus ,ward1 ,i am a poetess60 7,by ,jupiter6 that was a stunner47 8,is it ,mrs4 ,browning80 said ,i1 ready to drop on my knees 7thinkin' of ,robert74 ,she shook her head agin1 and moved off1 and ,i follered1 kinder ashamed of bein' so abrupt4 ,lookin' loftily at me1 she said3 8,i must leave you40 8,leave me60 said ,i1 8,you cruel monster of beauty6 ,leave when ,i am sealed to you80 7,that kinder frightened her--,i learned suthin' from bein' among the ,mormons47 8,you may foller me10 said she1 while descendin' in the midst of a garden which opened rite before us4 ,i did as she advised1 and stepped rite down in a place where there was a mighty display of trees1 flowers1 and fountains1 and a pretty big sprinklin' of people4 ,good ,heavens6 thought ,i4 ,is this the ,new ,jerusalem8 and lookin' around timidly for the man with the key1 fearin' ,i might be turned out1 but seein' nothin' but common lookin' men and women1 and no 8flamin' cherubim10 and creaters with wings stuck on their heads1 and no bodies1 such as ,i had naterally expected to find in such a place1 ,i took courage and stept forward boldly4 ,the people all commenced cryin' out as loud as they could3 8,artemus ,ward6 ,artemus ,ward60 ,i felt kinder abashed at this1 but advanced and called out1 8,hear6 hear6 ,friends1 it's an amazin' mystery how you know'd my name40 7,i felt diffident at not havin' my lecter in my pocket1 and not bein' accustomed to speakin' verbatim47 ,howsumever1 as they continooed to clap their hands and shout1 ,i got together all the brass ,i used to carry 8down ,east10 and jumped right atop of one of the roarin' fountains--the very biggest on 'em all4 ,i surmised it was kinder dangerous1 havin' always experienced a religious awe of the 8water of life10 and not knowin' but what this might be it4 8,here goes10 said ,i2 8faint heart never won fair lady10 for rite at the foot was that bootiful poetess to whom allusion has been made1 lookin' straight at me with all her eyes4 ,i wanted to make a grand impression and let 'em know that ,i cum from a nation that could fight for the ,constitution1 and wasn't afeard of spirits4 ,and as for the 8gold and pearls10 the 8jasper and the sardonix10 they needn't expect to snub me off with this1 for ,i had been all through the gold and silver regions of ,ameriky1 and could tell as big a story as any on 'em4 8,the fact is1 friends and nabors10 said ,i1 8it is one thing to read of a place1 and another to see it4 ,now ,i must say1 that geography and book of travels called the #8,bible' is suthin' like #8,gulliver's ,travels1' rather loose in description2 and1 for all ,i see around me1 the grand nation of ,ameriky can beat you all holler in wonders40 ,havin' thus spoken a good word for my country1 ,i dismissed them1 and hurried back to commence these lecters1 which is only a beginnin' of what ,i intend to do for the ,amerikan ,people4 ,,lady ,,blessington4 ,,distinguished ,,women4 ,it is remarkable to what a degree woman develops her intellect in the spirit world4 ,freed from the cares of maternity1 she seems like some young goddess fresh from the hand of ,jupiter4 ,all nerve1 electricity1 and motion--her thoughts sparkling and full of flavor1 and light1 and life1 this new-born ,eve of the celestial kingdom inspires the down-trodden ,eve of earth1 and kindles to a blaze the whole male population of the spiritual globe4 ,prominent among the women of the times who have emigrated to these shores from populous ,america1 stands ,margaret ,fuller--a tall and impressive blonde--a woman of strong bias1 and resolute as a lion when she has set foot upon a project4 ,earnest1 passionate1 and brilliant in conversation1 she wields a powerful influence over many minds of a peculiar order2 and through the few mediums whom she selects to represent her characteristics1 she displays a calmness and coolness of reasoning and an excellence of judgment such as few are able to exhibit thus second handed4 ,she has1 through the exercise of her genius1 erected a beautiful villa upon a southern island1 wherein she has displayed her poetic taste to advantage4 ,there1 in the midst of a luxuriant garden1 she resides with her beautiful ,angelo1 a child of graceful form who was washed ashore from the sad wreck years ago1 but now approaching the years of manhood1 and in his looks the very personification of a young ,mercury1 blending the fire and passion of a ,southern nature with the zeal and activity of the ,northern4 ,count ,ossoli and his noble wife tear themselves away from the pleasures of this delightful state of existence and devote their sacred energies to the enfranchisement of ,italy4 ,no ,roman patriot1 neither ,garibaldi nor any of his compeers1 equals them in their efforts for the freedom of that sunny land4 ,madame ,ossoli is sanguine of success4 ,defeat she considers merely the plough and harrow for the ripe harvest of victory which will follow4 ,from her own eloquent lips ,i have heard her address to the ,italian soldiers who1 defeated and killed1 marched to the spirit land4 ,she told them how she1 in the midst of her new-born joy1 in sight of her own native land1 fought the fierce battle of the briny waves1 and felt as she sat dying on the sinking wreck1 that all she had striven for was in vain2 how she had found that defeat1 that engulping billow1 had proved in the end a victory1 and had placed her where she could watch over the destiny of ,italia1 her adopted country1 and work for its regeneration1 and fight for its liberty1 as she could not have done had she been more successful in her plans on earth4 ,another ,american woman1 of less note1 but also a reformer1 is ,eliza ,farnham4 ,she is not so emotional1 has less sentiment and considerable originality1 and is honest in her opinions and determined in her efforts to uplift her sex and ameliorate their condition4 ,she wields a powerful influence over a certain clique in the spirit world and on earth1 and therefore deserves to be noticed among the women of the times4 ,in person she is of dark complexion1 with black hair and eyes1 and strongly-marked brows1 possessing much vivacity and caustic wit4 ,she is matron of a large ,institution1 or ,circulorium1 erected for the use of those spirits who make a practice of communicating with the inhabitants of earth4 ,they there meet to converse upon the various means which they employ for transmitting intelligence1 and to relate their successes and defeats with the various trance and clairvoyant mediums through whom they operate4 ,there congregate those lecturers and orators who discourse through the organisms of numerous trance and inspirational mediums on earth4 ,there also convene physicians and 8medicine men0 who control the large number of healing mediums who exercise their power throughout the ,united ,states and ,europe4 ,there1 also1 gather the prophets and seers1 who1 with vision clearer than that of ordinary spirits1 warn mankind of danger and impress individuals to pursue certain courses of action1 to go or come1 to undertake and prosecute great designs for the seeming weal or woe of humanity4 ,from this lofty aviary she still sends forth her delicious1 strains4 ,the children of earth hear them in fainter notes through young poets who catch her inspiration4 ,what she is doing for women in the world she inhabits will be felt ere long in both the continents of ,europe and ,america4 ,another remarkable person in this coterie of illustrious women must be mentioned--,charlotte ,bront--a lady who feels the true dignity and intellect of her sex with a force akin to manliness4 ,modest and retiring1 she would yet pick up the gauntlet like any knight against the man who should say of a work of literary merit1 8that it could never have been penned by a woman40 ,soft and delicate1 yet strong and full of heroism1 she represents woman1 quicker to perceive the right than man1 and capable of undergoing greater perils in executing her duty4 ,charlotte ,bront is a slight1 brown-haired girl1 with an eye full of clairvoyant power4 ,with her father1 sisters1 and poor reprobate of a brother1 all united like a cluster-diamond1 she lives in a home which they have selected1 remarkable for its wild and picturesque beauty4 ,as a family they are like the ancient ,scots1 clannish--not in a vulgar acceptation of the term1 but for the reason that they are kindred souls4 ,the torch of genius flames in every member of that family1 but ,charlotte is the mover1 the inspirer of them all4 ,she possesses a greater degree of concentration and energy1 and is more chivalrous and venturesome4 ,she is exceedingly interested in woman1 and devotes daily a portion of her time to visiting earth and suggesting ideas and thoughts to those whom she can influence4 ,in her new home she draws around her a circle of chosen spirits1 among whom may be mentioned ,thackeray 7who esteems her as about the finest specimen of womanhood he has seen71 ,prince ,albert1 ,scott1 ,hawthorne1 the ,german ,goethe1 ,de ,quincy1 and others4 ,few writers of romance have done more than she towards raising her sex above the frivolities of dress and fortune1 and placing them where they shine conspicuous for their intellect and noble affections4 ,bold and unsparing in analyzing woman's heart in its uncontaminated simplicity as well as in its subtlety1 she lighted a torch in behalf of her sex which flamed throughout the literary world1 startling and dazzling the beholder--a light which will never be quenched4 ,charlotte ,bront was on earth what is now known as a medium4 ,her belief in the supernatural she evinced in her works4 ,if she had not indicated so much intellect1 the critics would have termed her superstitious4 ,they have inferred that it was the loneliness and sadness of her life which caused her to imagine she saw her beloved dead and heard unearthly voices calling her4 ,but she has since told me that those mysterious influences were not morbid fancies1 but realities4 ,being thus endowed clairvoyantly1 and not only receptive but able to impart that which she receives1 she exerts at the present moment an influence in the world of letters little dreamed of on earth4 ,i may here1 without infringing on the requirements of good taste1 allude to the tale she has dictated through this medium4 ,that it is a story of powerful interest1 all who read it will confess4 ,to many minds it will prove that her power is unabated1 but every reader will perceive the characteristics of the ,bront family in the tale--characteristics which cannot be imitated--which are individualized in that family1 and breathe of the lone moor on which they spent their earth ife1 one of sad struggle of genius against circumstance and destiny4 ,,professor ,,olmstead4 ,,the ,,locality ,,of ,,the ,,spirit ,,world1 ,,and ,,its ,,magnetic ,,relations ,,to ,,this4 ,how near is the spirit world to earth8 is a question often put by the inquiring mind4 ,some suppose it lies contiguous1 just in the suburbs2 others imagine the spirit world to be within the atmosphere of this earth2 others again set it afar off in a given locality4 ,the last theory is correct1 and the spirit world is really several billions of miles from earth2 yet the suppositions are true 7in a certain sense71 for the inhabitants of the spirit world are migratory1 and there are many millions of them living within the earth's atmosphere1 drawn thither on errands of pleasure and duty4 ,but there is a spiritual earth revolving around its spiritual sun1 just as this earth revolves around its sun4 ,it has shape and form like this planet1 and is indeed the spiritual body of the earth4 ,it existed before the creation of man on this globe1 and was ready for the reception of the soul or spirit of the first human being who perished on earth4 ,as a spirit's body is constructed from the spiritual emanations of man1 so the spiritual globe is formed of the magnetic emanations of the earth4 ,the refined gases which were thrown off during the process of the formation of the material globe which man now inhabits1 form the basis of the spirit earth4 ,each planet in the vast universe has its correspondent spirit world1 and invisible magnetic rays are constantly exchanging between the spirit planet and its earth4 ,these magnetic currents or rays1 like waves of silver light1 constantly transmit thoughts from the spirit world to this4 ,all spirit is matter4 ,the spirit globe1 being primarily composed of gases1 in revolving around its central sun ultimates in a substance which is similar to the soil of your earth4 ,the same system which marks the development of the material world also is displayed in the development of the spiritual world4 ,order is ,god4 ,no spirit world can exist without form1 neither can it exist without motion4 ,motion produces the spheroid1 and the rotation of the spheroid produces atmosphere and diversity of surface2 all these variations characterize the spirit globe4 ,when these facts are carefully reflected upon and understood1 the majesty of the ,creator assumes a magnitude most stupendous4 ,the astronomer searching through space for undiscovered planets and suns1 has failed to fix his telescope upon these spiritual worlds1 but the day will come when science will discover their existence4 ,the spirit world is not an arid desert4 ,as ,i have said1 it has soil4 ,it is not a thin1 vaporish flat1 without depth or density2 and its circumference exceeds that of the earth4 ,one of the component elements of its soil is magnetism4 ,its vegetation is of rapid growth and beautiful beyond anything that your planet can display4 ,as the atmosphere of the spirit world is not so dense as yours1 and as the rays of the spiritual sun are not obliged to penetrate through so much cloud and vapor1 the colors of all objects are sparkling and beautiful in variety and tone4 ,the specific gravity of the spirit upon his globe is not so great1 comparatively1 as that of man in the natural world4 ,he can rise in his native air with little difficulty1 and can dart with unerring accuracy upon the magnetic current flowing from the spirit world to the one he once inhabited4 ,the investigator in searching for the spirit world has but to direct his attention to the north star and his eye will embrace1 unwittingly1 the locality of that world4 ,the north pole is the great gate which leads to it direct4 ,the aurora borealis or ,northern lights is an electric current which flows from that world to earth1 and is sent in through the great gate4 ,the scintillations of these rays are caught up by the clouds and vapors and are repeated in many portions of the globe1 and faint rays from them are seen even in this temperate climate4 ,,adah ,,isaacs ,,menken4 ,,hold ,,me ,,not4 ,up to the zenith mount6 ,far into space-- ,ah6 all thy tears ,i count1 ,sad1 loving face4 ,clasp not my garments so1 ,love of my soul2 ,clinging1 you drag me low1 ,where tortures roll4 ,soil not my angel wing2 ,keep not from rest2 ,how can ,i upward spring1 ,clasped to thy breast8 ,hold me not1 lover--friend-- ,earth ,i would fly2 ,passion and torture end ,in the blest sky6 ,life brought but woe to me1 ,even thy kiss ,gave me but agony-- ,remorse with bliss6 ,let go thy earthly hold-- ,fain would ,i fly2 ,voices with love untold ,call from on high4 ,farewell--the dregs are drank ,of life's sad cup2 ,it proved but poison rank2 ,life's lease is up6 ,n4,p4 ,,willis4 ,,off-,,hand ,,sketches4 ,since my friend ,morris joined me1 we've been as busy as ,wall street brokers in a gold panic--eyes and ears1 and every sense filled with the novel sights and sounds that greet us on every side in this most delightful1 charming1 incomparably beautiful summer land4 ,whom have we not seen1 from ,napoleon down to the last suicide8 ,i have a memorandum which would reach from here to ,idlewild1 filled with the names of notables and celebrities1 whom ,i have met in the short space of a year4 ,we do matters quickly here1 among the celestials4 ,i used to think life sped fast in the great cities of ,london1 ,paris1 and ,new ,york1 but we live faster here4 ,with every means of travelling which human ingenuity can invent--flying machines1 balloons1 the will and the magnet--we fairly outdo thought and light1 which you consider emblems of rapidity on earth4 ,morris and ,i made a point of visiting ,byron1 ,moore1 ,hunt1 ,scott1 and that clique4 ,you must bear in mind that we do not all live on one point of space here2 among so many thousand million1 billion1 trillion1 quadrillion1 sextillion1 and countless illions1 there must be some persons who are further apart than ,morris and ,i1 who are side by side6 ,it is a peculiarity which you ,yankees seldom think of1 that ,englishmen can't endure to live in ,america4 ,well1 that peculiarity is just as active after they 8shuffle off the mortal coil40 ,they must have their little ,england1 even in the spirit world4 ,so ,i telegraphed to that quarter of the celestial planet that two strangers from the great emporium of intellect1 and civilization1 ,new ,york ,city1 were about to visit that locality4 ,we so arranged our journey as to arrive about a day after the dispatch had reached them4 ,it was proposed that we should meet at the beautiful villa belonging to the ,countess of ,blessington4 ,i can assure you that on arriving there it was with a slightly palpitating heart ,i ascended the noble steps of her residence4 ,the ,countess met us graciously1 and by her vivacity and charming candor dispelled the feeling of modest diffidence as to our merits1 naturally awakened by the thought of being presented to those illustrious persons who so long held sway over ,english literature4 ,ere we were aware1 we were ushered into the midst of a hilarious group of authors1 who welcomed us in a most cordial manner4 ,i did not need to have them introduced to me by name1 as ,i recognized each readily from likenesses ,i had seen on earth4 ,lord ,byron's countenance is much handsomer and more spiritualized in expression than any portrait of him extant4 ,i noticed that the deformity of his foot1 which had been a severe affliction to him on earth1 was no longer apparent4 ,scott looked as good and as jovial as ever1 and ,tom ,moore1 the very pink of perfection and elegance4 ,as for the ,countess1 when ,i last saw her on earth ,i thought her incomparable4 ,but whether it was through the cosmetic influences of the spirit air1 or from other causes1 she had now become bewitchingly beautiful4 ,after we had conversed awhile on general topics and ,i had answered their questions in regard to the changes which had occurred in certain terrestrial localities with which1 they were familiar1 the ,countess invited us out to survey the landscape from her balcony4 ,the view from this point was extremely romantic4 ,just beyond the spacious park extended a lovely lake1 whose waters were of a rich golden-green color4 ,upon its limpid bosom several gondolas floated1 and gay parties waved their handkerchiefs to us from beneath the silken hangings as they passed4 8,countess10 said ,i1 after my eye had surveyed the fine landscape and noble residence1 8,i am but a wandering ,bohemian1 and you must excuse my audacity if ,i ask how it1 is possible that in this 8world of shadows0 you have surrounded yourself by so much that is beautiful and substantial8 ,you could not bring your title and your lands with you from earth4 ,your jewels and costly raiment you must have left behind2 then whence comes all this wealth and luxury80 ,the ,countess smiled4 8,ah10 said she1 roguishly1 8you did not study your ,bible lesson well if you did not learn that you could 'lay up treasures in heaven4' ,why1 all the time ,i was living on earth ,i had friends working for me--admirers who had been drawing interest from my youthful talent and had laid it up to my account4 ,we go upon the tithe system here1 and 'render unto ,caesar the things that are ,caesar's40 ,she told me that works of interest which are published on earth are reproduced in the spirit world and the author credited with a tithe of what accrues from them4 ,byron1 ,scott1 and ,moore have also been doing double duty while on earth1 and have been recompensed for their industry in the spirit world4 ,byron1 she privately informed me1 had been united to the ,mary of his early love1 and under her sweet womanly influence had lost much of the misanthropy which had annoyed his friends in this life4 ,as my stay was short1 ,i had only opportunity to converse with these men of mark on general topics4 ,on the whole1 we spent a very interesting morning1 and1 after partaking of refreshments1 we left1 having inquired after ,count ,d',orsay1 whom we learned was then on a trip to earth4 ,bidding adieu to the ,countess and her friends1 we started for the celebrated island called the 8,golden ,nest10 which lies in a south-westerly direction from the ,countess's villa4 ,after having travelled some hours in our own diligence 7i4e41 driven through the air by our own will71 moving along quite leisurely that we might survey the country beneath us1 we reached a group of beautiful lakes1 reminding me strongly in size and appearance of lakes ,erie1 ,huron1 ,michigan1 and ,superior1 the famed lakes of my own native clime4 ,in the centre of the largest of these lakes lay the island we were seeking4 ,we descended like skilful aeronauts into the centre of a group of happy children1 who were playing like little fairies amid the flowers blooming profusely everywhere4 ,singling out two of the prettiest1 we addressed them4 ,directly a merry band gathered about us1 answering our questions intelligently and skipping before us to lead the way to the 8,golden ,nest10 as the superb structure was called in which these little soul-birds were sheltered4 ,everywhere1 as we advanced1 our eyes lit upon pretty bands of children2 some swinging in the tree-boughs like birds1 some waltzing in the air1 others sitting upon the green1 chattering and singing1 filling the surrounding air with their melody4 ,certainly it was a most enlivening sight to witness their enjoyment4 ,after having amused ourselves for a while with their gambols1 we turned our steps toward the ,home4 ,the building was oval in form1 and composed of a golden fleecy incrustation from which it derived it1 name4 ,within1 the 8,nest0 was like ,aladdin's palace4 ,innumerable compartments1 hung with silks and tissues of tender and4 harmonious colors1 and decorated with birds' plumage of varied hues1 arrested the eye4 ,these spacious alcoves were each furnished with a domed skylight1 adorned with hanging tassels and glittering ornaments4 ,ladies were busy in nearly all of these compartments in instructing children under their care4 ,in some that ,i entered ,i was shown new-born babes not an hour old1 torn from their mothers' bosoms on earth1 and lying upon fleecy pillows1 attended by lovely women1 who looked the angels which they were4 ,one of these gay baby-nests in which ,i lingered was decorated with peculiar tastefulness1 and seemed like a perfect aviary4 ,singular birds of splendid plumage were perched on various projections about the spacious apartment1 warbling away like silver bells4 ,the lady of this chamber was engaged in teaching a little girl of some two summers to mount to the skylight by her will4 ,this lady1 ,i was informed1 was the noble lady ,r----1 so famed for her charity on earth4 ,she was very gracious and communicative1 and told me that some children exercised their ability to rise in air more readily than others2 that the difficulties their instructor had to guard against were the fickle1 versatile nature of their wills1 and their inability for continuous thought4 ,their wayward minds could not be directed long at one point4 ,they would wander from the path like the poor little ,babes in the ,wood1 and on their way to special destinations1 would change their thoughts1 unharness their will1 and come suddenly down1 sometimes in lonely and unfrequented spots4 ,owing to this dereliction1 it was found difficult to make frequent excursions to earth with them4 ,those attracted to their terrestrial homes were attended by ladies who had them in charge1 and who would kindly accompany them1 for one or two weeks1 to visit their friends upon earth4 ,i told her that ,i had lost a child some years ago1 and had thought till recently to find it still an infant4 ,many cases of this kind1 she said1 had occurred under her observation4 ,people did not view the matter rationally4 ,ladies had called at the 8,golden ,nest0 to inquire for children that had left earth twenty or thirty years ago1 and it was painful to witness the distress they exhibited when told that their children were grown men and women4 ,one lady had called there some three days since1 and claimed as her own a little child1 an infant about two months old1 who had been brought from earth three weeks previous1 while the child she had lost had been in the spirit world seventeen years6 ,but no amount of argument would convince her that her child had grown up1 and that the infant she selected was not her own4 ,she was finally permitted to take the child away1 as they knew it would be properly cared for4 ,many of the children while young were thus adopted4 8,it appears marvellous10 remarked this noble lady1 8that any parent should wish to cramp the body and soul of his child by keeping it in a state of infancy1 when1 if it had remained on earth1 it would necessarily have arrived at years of maturity4 8,nature does not suspend her operations in transplanting from earth to heaven6 ,the soul is formed for expansion1 and surely the spirit world is not the place to suppress unfoldment60 ,as ,i listened to her intelligent conversation1 ,i blushed to be reminded of my own error in supposing my own darling1 who had reached the spirit world so long before1 would greet me with the prattling talk of babyhood6 ,pleased with our visit and the information we had received1 we bade adieu to ,lady ,r4 and the 8,golden ,nest10 and pursued our flight in another direction4 8,do let us next find out10 said ,i to ,morris1 8what they do here with criminals2 there must be many a wicked reprobate who arrives here from earth fresh from murders and villanies of all sorts40 ,as ,i spoke1 two grave-looking gentlemen1 whom ,i took to be either doctors or judges1 crossed the path before us1 and ,i proposed to make these inquiries of them4 ,who should they prove to be but ,william ,penn and the omnipresent ,benjamin ,franklin6 8,yes1 yes10 said ,penn1 in reply to our questions shaking his head deprecatingly2 8'tis too true2 we are obliged to have what ,swedenborg calls 8our hells10 for you send your criminals from earth so hardened that we are compelled to keep them under guard4 ,come with us and we'll show you how we treat them40 ,we were very glad of this opportune meeting1 and followed with alacrity4 ,presently1 leaving the beautiful country far behind us1 we came upon a desert waste1 and as ,i am extremely sensitive to conditions1 ,i felt somewhat like a criminal in passing through it4 ,having got safely over1 however1 there burst upon our sight a scene of surpassing beauty2 as far as the eye could reach extended a most highly-cultivated district of country4 ,groves of fruit resembling the oranges and pineapples of our tropics1 noble trees like the palm1 the fig1 and date1 were to be seen in every quarter1 rearing their boughs against the summer sky4 ,the air was laden with fragrance from tree and vine4 ,great bunches of purple grapes like the fabled fruit of ,canaan in the ,old ,testament1 a single bunch of which required two men to bear it1 drooped heavily from twining vines1 while from many a bough and twig swung golden1 crimson1 and cream-colored fruit1 which fairly made one's mouth water4 ,it was a picture rich enough in color for a ,claude or ,turner4 8,this is delicious10 said ,i to ,penn4 8,do tell us to what fairy prince this magnificent land belongs60 8,we will show you the fairy prince himself1 very soon10 said he4 8,do you see the tip of his castle yonder80 ,i looked1 and as we moved swiftly in the direction indicated an unexpected spectacle loomed in sight4 ,it was a building so delicate and perfect in its structure that it appeared like a vision4 ,pillars and arches1 dome and architrave1 were wrought in a style exquisitely beautiful2 the material of which it was composed seemed like polished sea-shells1 so transparent that you could see through it the forms of the inmates4 8,this10 said ,william ,penn1 8is one of our prisons4 ,let us enter40 ,we followed in amazement1 and were ushered into a hall hung with paintings rich in design and color1 while distributed around in various alcoves were cases containing books and articles of curious workmanship1 of which ,i had not yet learned the use4 ,this hall formed the court within the main building4 ,from where we stood we could see hundreds of men in white suits moving about4 ,some seemed engaged in conversation1 others in sportive games1 and others in various employments4 8,you do not mean to tell us that these men are prisoners10 said ,i4 8,yes2 they have passed for years on earth a life of evil1 yet all the beauty you behold here is the work of their hands4 ,idleness is the mother of crime4 ,we teach them to become industrious1 and surround them with beauty to develop their love of harmony4 8,ignorance and poverty are supposed to be the principal causes of evil on earth4 ,but many fearful offences have been committed in high places from thwarted love and ambition4 ,we have many of that character in this prison1 but they are young4 ,this is intended as a place to educate and restrain men who would return to earth and incite impressible beings to evil4 8,the material of which this building is composed1 though seemingly so fragile1 is a non-conductor of thought1 and while detained within it the inmates gradually free themselves from their old influences and disorderly desires4 8,cultivating the fruits of the earth calls into action only their most harmonious organs4 ,a great mistake made by the legislators of earth is in employing criminals in stone-cutting1 or placing them in gangs1 as they do on the ,continent1 to work the rugged road4 8,employment of this kind awakens the very propensities which should be subdued4 ,the composing1 softening influences induced by tilling the soil would go far toward converting your evil men into good citizens40 ,i was struck with the truthfulness of his suggestions1 and put them down in my note-book for the benefit of humanity1 and now hand them over to my readers for consideration4 ,after leaving this place we paid a visit to ,edgar ,a4 ,poe1 whose unfortunate life on earth you are all familiar with4 ,his brilliant imagination we found as active as of old4 ,he welcomed us enthusiastically1 and eagerly led us into a small theatre which he had constructed and filled with most marvellous creations from his own fancy4 ,he inherited from his father and mother1 who were actors1 a love for dramatic effect1 and in theatrical impersonations he found some vent for his exuberant imagination4 8,stand here10 said he1 placing us near the entrance2 8,i have something curious to show you40 ,he then suspended upon the stage a curtain1 whose peculiarity was its pure1 soft blue color1 like an ,italian sky4 8,watch10 said he1 pointing his uplifted finger to the hanging4 ,presently appeared upon it figures like shadows on a phantasmagoria4 ,one form was that of a female sitting upon a low chair1 apparently reading a book4 8,that10 said ,poe1 8is ,miss ,d4 ,i can control her and will her to reflect her figure upon the curtain2 and that man is ,t4,l4 ,harris4 ,it is my own invention10 said he2 8,i studied it out and applied chemicals to my canvas till it produced this sensitive surface4 ,all ,i have to do is to send my thoughts to them1 and will them to appear1 and there they are4 ,coleridge has a similar curtain1 and some few others4 ,but it requires a peculiar spirit brain to magnetize the subject sufficiently40 ,he offered to show me in the same manner any friend of mine with whom he could come in rapport4 ,this proposition delighted ,morris and ,i1 and we spent an agreeable evening in seeing certain of our friends on earth thus revealed4 ,some were busy eating at the time1 the gourmands6 ,others1 more studious1 were poring over books and papers1 and one1 whose name ,i shall not mention1 was reproduced in the very act of making love6 ,the1 dear old faces awakened such sad memories1 and the occupations in which they were engaged were in the main so ludicrous1 that we were held between tears and laughter till after midnight4 ,but that is an ,irish bull--for you must know that we have no night in the spirit world4 ,our diurnal revolutions are so rapid1 and the atmosphere so magnetically luminous1 that it is never dark here4 ,but1 however1 according to earth's parlance1 it was midnight before we got through4 ,i will now bid adieu to my friends and readers until we meet again4 ,,margaret ,,fuller ,,city ,,of ,,spring ,,garden4 ,i am at present domiciled with my excellent friend ,abraham ,lincoln1 in the beautiful city of ,spring ,garden4 ,this place contains between sixty and seventy thousand inhabitants1 a majority of whom are engaged in literary and artistic pursuits4 ,it might vie with ancient ,athens for the wealth of mind which is concentrated within its precincts4 ,it is not compactly built1 the city covering about thrice the surface of ground that would be occupied by one on earth of the same number of inhabitants4 ,the streets are handsome1 the pavements being covered with a gay enamel which is formed by dampening a certain yellow powder1 which1 when hardened1 shines like amber4 ,they are laid out in circles1 surrounding a large park of several acres1 which forms the centre of the city4 ,this park is embellished with trees and flowering plants of every description1 and does not differ materially from the extensive parks to be found on earth1 except in its management4 ,booths are erected at the various gates1 which are supplied with fruits and confections free to all who present a ticket to the keeper4 ,these tickets are furnished by the city authorities to those who desire them4 ,this class is composed chiefly of children1 and of grown persons who are incompetent to supply by their labor their own wants4 ,here they can walk through the pleasant grounds1 rock themselves in swings1 which are numerous1 and1 when weary with exercise1 their appetites stimulated by the refreshing air1 which circulates through its hills and dales as freely as in the open country1 they can apply for refreshments at any one of the booths or tables within the park4 ,a very delicious drink manufactured from the exudence of a flower not known on earth may here be procured4 ,the grounds are provided with various other apparatus for amusement and pleasure1 among which are elegantly-formed sleds on galvanic runners1 which glide over the ground with swiftness most exhilarating to the senses4 ,air carriages are also furnished1 and1 in short1 nothing is wanting for the pleasure and entertainment of the visitors who throng daily the extensive avenues4 ,forming an outer circle to the park is the main thoroughfare of the city4 ,the streets1 as ,i have said1 are laid out in graduated circles which increase in circumference as they recede from the centre4 ,the outermost circle is bordered by trees1 which form a natural wall4 ,this city might be called the circle of palaces1 from the numerous magnificent edifices which adorn it at every point4 ,the buildings are of a light1 graceful style of architecture1 adapted to the climate and the out-door life which the people generally lead4 ,the street facing the park is devoted to the display of commodities and creations of the spirit world and its inhabitants4 ,in this section are exposed to view beautiful fabrics1 finer than the web of a spider1 glistening like threads of sunbeam and ornamented with most exquisite floral designs taken from nature4 ,some of these fabrics emblemize the blue heaven glittering with silver stars2 others the clouds1 with sunlight shimmering through them4 ,some have shadowy designs of birds and curious animals strown over a ground of amber or violet4 ,these beautiful devices are photographed on the material2 or1 as the transcendentalist would say1 they are projected there by the will4 ,electricity with us is so potent an agent that it is used for this purpose1 transferring the image and stamping it there4 ,these fabrics are more delicate and gossamer-like than any with which you are familiar on earth4 ,exquisite materials are not only indulged in by ladies1 but male angels robe themselves in attire more fanciful and gorgeous than they have been accustomed to wear in their first life2 except1 indeed1 the ,orientals1 who more nearly approach us ,celestials in that particular4 ,i will state for the benefit of ladies that we have no millinery establishments1 as the females wear simply their own beautiful hair1 which they adorn with flowers and a peculiar lace1 as thin as a breath4 ,the hair1 owing to electrical conditions1 is usually abundant and of beautiful texture1 forming the chief ornament of the head4 ,on the street ,i have described are also many studios for artists4 ,these attelliers are very ornamental in appearance1 being placed in the centre of a large court4 ,they are of various fanciful shapes1 according to the design of the artist1 generally open on the sides1 with a dome supported by pillars1 and resembling in form an ancient temple4 ,within1 they are hung with rich draperies1 which are adjusted at pleasure4 ,the open dome admits the light and may be covered by a screen when necessary4 ,these studios are all on the ground floor1 and usually with airy reception rooms attached1 opening upon a court gay with flowers1 birds1 and fountains1 making it a pleasant retreat for the artist and his friends4 ,as my friend ,h---- gaily suggests1 these accessible studios compensate the artist for the attics which he occupied on earth4 ,the art of painting is here carried to greater perfection than it ever has been on earth4 ,as the development of the intellect in the material world depends upon the subservience of matter to mind1 so in the spirit world1 the same principle is the great motor power2 for there we have matter 7that is1 spirit matter71 and this we work into forms of beauty as we desire4 ,speaking of art1 ,i must digress to allude to the fte which we held in our park in honor of three quite eminent artists1 who have recently arrived in the spirit world and taken up their abode in this city4 ,as they were all new-comers1 and but slightly acquainted with our manners and customs1 we gave this celebration to surprise them1 and also as a token of our appreciation of their efforts to spiritualize humanity2 for art we regard as one of our most spiritualizing agencies4 ,in the centre of the park1 ,i had forgotten to state1 we have a temple erected1 somewhat resembling those of ancient ,greece1 and which is for the use of orators and public singers4 ,this temple was beautifully decorated with garlands and paintings by spirit artists4 ,within it were seated the visitors and a few friends1 and without were stationed musicians1 with curious instruments of melody1 such as are unknown to earth4 ,various ingenious machines for locomotion and amusement attracted general attention4 ,another source of interest were the graceful and picturesque groups of children moving in the air4 ,at intervals1 one of the most fascinating of their number would descend with offerings of fruits and flowers for our guests4 ,the amazement expressed by our visitors1 as these lovely children would suddenly sweep down through the air like graceful birds of radiant plumage was delightful for us older inhabitants to witness4 ,this city contains several institutions of learning which are accessible to all2 not only those can become inhabitants of this city who have a taste for the beauties and refinements of life1 but needy aspirants from earth may be introduced by them into these establishments4 ,previous to entering the spirit world ,i had supposed everything here would be free1 but ,i have found here1 as on earth1 that nothing can be attained but by exertion1 and that the great diversity of talent and of gifts necessarily enforces a system of exchange4 ,all men are not alike inventive in the spirit world4 ,the inventor1 by his fertile brain1 constructs an article which the majority desire to possess1 and for that article they give him an equivalent4 ,it may be a picture or it may be a song4 ,here the artisan is not hampered as on earth2 his time--the mere time employed in mechanical labor--is of short duration4 ,our facilities for creating are so immensely superior to those of earth that but a brief period is required for producing a result4 ,the remaining time is devoted mainly to the development of the mind1 to amusement1 and to scientific research4 ,i stated in the beginning of my letter that ,i was visiting the home of ,abraham ,lincoln4 ,he is residing here with some members of his family1 and appears very happy and contented4 ,the son for whose loss he grieved amid the honors of the ,white ,house1 is now his friend and companion4 ,matters of state1 as ,i learn from conversation with him1 occupy his mind but little2 but he is deeply interested in humanity1 and is anxious to elevate and harmonize the whole human family4 ,his influence for good is powerful1 and he exerts it constantly4 ,theodore ,parker and ,hawthorne both reside in this city4 ,parker1 as ,i have been told1 when he first came here1 decided to devote himself to the cultivation of land2 but he has drifted again into the rostrum1 and twice a week you may see the fair maidens and gallant swains of ,spring ,garden wending their way to his beautiful little home and garden in the suburbs1 where1 amid the flowers1 he descants to them1 in his eloquent way1 on life and the attributes of the human soul1 and also upon his earth experiences4 ,so you perceive he exemplifies by his own actions the wise saying1 8,once a prophet1 always a prophet40 ,his original mind cannot keep silent1 and his thoughts find readiest utterance in speech4 ,hawthorne is living here with his beautiful daughter1 who devotes her attention to art4 ,his mind is as active as ever4 ,he informs me that many of the mysteries that seemed inexplicable to him while on earth are now cleared up4 ,i have spoken of the noble buildings of this city1 surrounded by spacious gardens and beautified by trees and flowers1 fountains and singing birds2 but ,i have not alluded to the way in which property is held1 and the reader will naturally inquire if these handsome dwellings are owned by their occupants4 ,they are not1 but are simply loaned to them4 ,spirits congenial to those at present residing here lived in them ages agone4 ,it is true1 each individual taste may alter and embellish the buildings and surroundings1 but these improvements belong to the city and not to the individuals4 ,the titles are vested in the community1 and its members can vote1 as in the case of ,abraham ,lincoln1 in reference to any individual coming among them4 ,there are three daily papers issued in the city1 and only three4 ,one is especially devoted to reporting news from earth1--revolutions that transpire1 changes in state and national politics1 recent accidents which have thrown individuals suddenly into the spirit world1 and to recording the names1 as far as possible1 of persons who have deceased from earth4 ,disasters that occur on sea and land are immediately telegraphed to the newspapers in ,spring ,garden and published for the use of the community4 ,it may be interesting to the curious to know that in cases like the sinking of a vessel1 where fifty or a hundred individuals are suddenly ushered into the spirit world1 delegates are sent out from this and other cities to meet the sufferers and offer them the hospitalities of the city1 in accordance with their individual merits and degrees of development4 ,our method of printing newspapers differs materially from that in vogue on earth4 ,our papers might be termed photo-telegrams4 ,a much less space is occupied by a communication of a given length than the same would require in your papers4 ,we have a system of short-hand1 understood by all1 similar to that used by your telegraphic operator4 ,we have various places of public amusement1 two fine theatres which are devoted to dramas originating with the inhabitants of our world1 and another appropriated to the representation of dramas familiar to earth4 ,our places of amusement are of large capacity1 hence but few are needed2 and the people of this city being congenial in their natures1 as many as possible like to assemble in one place4 ,the several actors who have been famed on earth appear at the theatres in ,spring ,garden4 ,garrick1 ,kean1 ,kemble1 ,booth1 ,vandenhoff1 ,cooke1 ,macready1 ,rachel1 and ,mrs4 ,siddons1 visit us from time to time4 ,among our distinguished actors are many who on earth were clergymen1 politicians1 and of other occupations4,a ,footnote ,a3 ,i am told that the ,rev4 ,newland ,maffit is at present a distinguished actor in the spirit world4 ,,ed4 ,,gilbert ,,stuart4 ,,art ,,conversation4 ,people are fools in religion1 and worship as divine the most stupid monstrosities ever conceived of6 ,only tell the masses that ,st4 ,luke1 ,st4 ,john1 or ,mary ,magdalen was the author of some absurdity1 which1 if you or ,i had originated1 they would scoff at1 and they will clasp their hands in mute admiration over that miracle of art6 ,so it seems to me to be with ,spiritualists4 ,drawings devoid of taste1 hard1 and out of proportion1 are received by them with acclamations of joy1 and credited1 if they are figures1 to ,raphael1 and if landscapes1 to ,claude ,lorraine or some other great master of art4 ,now ,i1 for one1 wish people would use their brains1 and not be so easily gulled4 ,it is truly wonderful that a spirit can make a person draw a straight line who never could draw any but a crooked one4 ,it partakes something of the miraculous1 ,i admit2 and that spirits should produce likenesses1 and representations of flowers1 scrolls1 and ornamental designs1 and unearthly landscapes1 through mediums whose powers of representation and artistic talents have never been developed1 is indeed marvellous6 but that these drawings should be called works of art1 and looked upon as the genuine offspring of those immortal painters1 is ridiculous1 and a thing to be deprecated by every intelligent spirit and ,spiritualist1 either here or in any other world6 ,why1 ,god ,almighty himself could not take a raw1 unschooled1 undisciplined hand1 and produce a work of art6 ,if a medium is content with what he has done1 if he does not comprehend the faults of his work1 if his eye and brain are not educated artistically1--then he must stand like a machine working in a groove4 ,neither ,phidias nor any of his descendants could inspire a high production through such means6 ,now ,i do wish that educated artists would seek to be controlled by us spirits2 or that those mediums whom we do influence would go to school1 and submit to the drudgery that is necessary to give them skill in design and execution4 ,then could we hope to represent something of the progress of art in the spirit world2 and would be enabled to depict marvels of landscapes1 and the seraphic beauty of the human face with its grace and perfection of form1 as it meets us in this artistic land4 ,yon ask if we have galleries of art here4 ,i should think so3 art-love is immortal6 ,you do not suppose that ,benjamin ,west1 ,washington ,allston1 ,henry ,inman1 ,copely1 ,stuart1 and we ,americans who loved our art1 would be satisfied with laying down the brush1 and would have contented ourselves with singing and playing on cymbals constantly for the hundred years or so that we've been here8 ,now1 where there is a will there is a way1 and having the will1 we have found the way to exercise the genius which ,god gave us4 ,speaking of music1 the gift is cultivated here to an extent that would set the dilettanti of earth wild with ecstasy6 ,music1 ,poetry1 ,art1 ,oratory1 and ,scientific ,research1 form the principal occupations of the beings in this immortal world of ours1 and language is incapable of conveying an idea of the perfection which our noble and glorious faculties have attained4 ,art is about to undergo a revolution4 ,at present too much attention is given to the literal rendering of a fact1 and imagination1 which is merely a faculty for reaching the immaterial1 is checked2 but ere long painters will turn their attention to representing scenes in spirit life1 and the inspiration which attended the old masters when they gave wings to their fancy and cut loose from identical imitation1 will return4 ,let the camera and the photograph reproduce the exact outline and minutiae1 but let the artist paint with the pencil of imagination and inspiration6 ,only permit imagination to have root in the material world4 ,as no man can become a good angel who has not developed his physical nature in harmony with his spiritual1 so neither painter nor medium can represent the artistic beauties of the natural world1 nor of the spirit world1 unless he has had a good physical training4 ,it is only through the physical that the imagination can express itself with beauty and correctness4 ,truth is beauty1 and is always proportionate2 the light equalizing the dark1 precisely as in the perfection of art a mass of shadow is balanced by a proportion of light4 ,one of the most agreeable places of rest or there-abouts is the artists' rendezvous--a building larger than ,st4 ,peter's at ,home1 magnificent in structure1 and filled with wonderful paintings4 ,here artists and authors of all nations are to be found4 ,you can step in any morning and have a chat with ,lawrence1 ,reynolds1 ,lessing1 ,delaroche ,hazlitt1 ,coleridge1 ,charles ,lamb1 ,beethoven1 ,mendelssohn1 ,rossini1 ,willis1 ,irving1 ,anthon1 ,sigourney1 ,osgood1 ,booth1 ,kemble1 ,kean1 ,cooper1 ,vandenhoff1 ,palmerston1 ,pitt1 ,o',connel1 ,lamartine1 ,napoleon1 ,margaret ,fuller1 ,charlotte ,bront1 ,lady ,blessington1 and others of note1 who have made themselves illustrious during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries4 ,people of congenial tastes and aspirations can readily obtain admittance1 and all freely engage in conversation on topics connected with art and literature4 ,a large garden is attached to the building1 filled with every manner of fruit-tree1 and is accessible to all2 any poor devil of an artist can go there and some bewitching ,houri will present him with all the delicious condiments which his taste or fancy can demand4 ,in these matters the inhabitants of earth need to take a lesson from us4 ,i prophesy that ,america will be a pioneer in these reformations1 and will1 in some ,central ,park1 erect a building similar to this1 where aspiring artists may receive food for the soul and the body1 and where artistic minds can meet and interchange ideas4 ,,edward ,,everett4 ,,government4 ,the ,christianized world supposes that the form of government now existing in the heavenly system is that of a monarchy2 that ,god is the supreme ruler of the whole universe1 embracing not only the little planet ,earth1 but the countless starry worlds and invisible systems that roll through space4 ,but more directly in its imagination does it place him as the sole monarch and kingly ruler of the spirit world4 ,it seats him in fancy upon a gorgeous throne1 material in every aspect of its magnificence2 a throne of gold and jewels1 as described by that ,miltonic poet1 ,st4 ,john1 in his 8,revelations40 ,this is the prevailing faith of ,christendom2 a faith which to the majority seems knowledge as positive as the fact that ,victoria rules the ,british people1 and sits upon the ,english throne4 ,yet this is the conception of a people fond of barbaric pomp and splendor4 ,a conception unsupported by reason and at variance with fact4 ,nearer to the truth was the old ,greek nation2 a nation which embodied the intellect1 the wisdom1 and the refinement of the present age4 ,that nation1 in its belief in the government of the spiritual universe1 was wholly ,polytheistic1 believing in many gods1 and1 as ,i have said1 approached nearer the idea of the form of government as existing in the spirit world1 for it is a ,republic of ,gods4 ,it is a law of the universe that all vast bodies must be divided and subdivided into smaller ones4 ,every system is a constellation and every constellation is a congeries4 ,in accordance with this law1 the universal world of spirit is broken up1 is divided and subdivided4 ,in these divisions and subdivisions forms of government ensue1 differing slightly one from another1 according to the progressive development of the people2 and an unlimited monarchy is not known in the spirit world4 ,there are some clinging to their old habits1 associations1 and education1 who would fain raise the representatives of royalty on earth to the same positions in the spirit world when they become residents there4 ,but the effort1 when made1 cannot be sustained4 ,the one-man power is incompatible with spiritual laws and spiritual justice4 ,in a world where the external trappings are torn away and the internal nature of man is exposed to observation1 the prerogatives of earthly kings have but little power4 ,the republican form of government is destined to overthrow all the monarchies of earth4 ,as the world progresses and knowledge becomes universal1 individuals will be able to govern themselves4 ,it has been only through ignorance and superstition1 and the limited knowledge of the masses1 that the kings and emperors of earth have been enabled to sway their jewelled sceptres over the necks of the people4 ,but their reign is drawing to a close2 their glories have culminated2 and the day is rapidly approaching when earth will be governed even as the heavens above are governed4 ,as in the world of nature1 8the same chance happens alike to all10 and every child in time may become a man and every infant a father1 and the experience of one becomes the experience of all1 so in the government of the spirit world1 every man can rise and become for a space of time the patriarchal dictator of a republic4 ,the prevailing form of our republic differs from that of the ,american republic in many particulars4 ,our term of office is of shorter duration than with you4 ,our directors while in office make friendly excursions to other republics4 ,matters of state with us are not so weighty or complicated as with you1 nor are encroachments and reprisals so common4 ,we are not compelled to sustain such vast armies and navies1 involving the necessity of directing and superintending them4 ,as a rule1 people who have entered the second stage of existence desire a change4 ,they desire to live with more simplicity and freedom1 and are eager to begin their new life with nobler aspirations4 ,therefore1 they assimilate with comparative ease with our form of government4 ,our directors are our fathers4 ,the nearest approach to our system is the government of the ,mormons in ,utah4 ,pardon me1 if1 in making this statement1 ,i offend any delicate sensibility4 ,i allude not to their creed1 but to their mode of public administration4 ,as ,i have stated1 the inhabitants of the spirit world are divided and subdivided into associations1 or bodies1 which in your world would be termed nations and states4 ,for example1 the nation to which ,i belong is represented by the ,american people4 ,the nationalities of earth present different traits and characteristics which set them apart1 though in a general aspect they present one whole4 ,even as in the ornithological world different species of birds represent the feathered race1 and though differing in many particulars and forming separate varieties1 yet assimilate as a whole1 so nations migrating to the spirit world form separate nationalities4 ,and1 as ,i have stated1 some of them1 educated in the belief of the divine right of kings1 choose a form of rule nearer approaching the monarchial than the republican4 ,among such often arises a ,napoleon1 a man of powerful intellect1 a mind to grasp all circumstances1 and a will to direct1 who succeeds in placing himself in a position which he retains for years4 ,but as the hereditary right of kings cannot exist in the spirit world1 the emperor or dictator is chosen by the people1 as was the custom of the ancient ,romans4 ,intercourse of nations with us is not bounded by the obstacles that exist on earth4 ,prominent ideas prevailing among the most intelligent masses of spirits become the views of the whole4 ,this your own world exemplifies4 ,as the means of communication become more facile1 as the various arts of locomotion obliterate distance1 the remote and barbarous nations1 brought into proximity with the civilized1 assume their habits1 adopt their modes of action1 and follow their form of government4 ,i can safely predict for you a similar result4 ,in the spirit world those nations once most tenacious of kingly rights and of the majesty of the throne1 lay quietly down their regal crowns1 and assume the unostentatious cap of the republic4 ,so will all the nations of earth follow their spiritual leaders and hurl out from the round globe the crumbling thrones and sceptres of kings and emperors and the tottering papal chair of ,rome1 down1 down1 into the vast tomb of antiquity6 ,,frederika ,,bremer ,,flight ,,to ,,my ,,starry ,,home4 ,i was in ,stockholm when the ambassador1 who is sent by the all-wise ,father to pilot his children to the unknown land of roses1 called for me1 and ,i was obliged to part with the body which1 though homely and unattractive1 like the dear1 good 8family roof10,a had rendered me service in many a stormy day4 ,footnote ,a3 ,swedish term for umbrella4 ,the feeling ,i experienced in taking my departure was like that of going out into a pitiless storm1 and it was followed by an intense prickling sensation1 similar to that familiarly known as the 8foot asleep40 ,this1 ,i afterwards understood1 was occasioned by the electrical current passing through my spirit as it assumed shape upon emerging from its old frame4 ,some twenty minutes perhaps elapsed after the breath leaving the body before ,i became perfectly conscious in my new form4 ,upon recovering the use of my senses1 my whole attention was drawn from myself to the friends who had gathered in the room which had so recently been my sick chamber4 ,as ,i watched them combing the hair and attiring the white1 stiff figure that lay so solemnly stretched upon the couch1 my emotions were indescribable4 ,i endeavored to speak1 but my voice gave but a faint sound1 which they evidently did not hear--as a spirit1 ,i attracted no attention4 ,this caused me deep grief1 for ,i desired them all to see me still living4 ,my sad emotions were presently dispelled by the sound of most mellifluous music bursting upon my senses2 and as ,i turned my eyes to discover the source from whence it proceeded1 ,i beheld1 resurrected before me1 a group of dear old friends1 whose bodies were already dust and ashes in the ,swedish grave-yards1 and in the cemeteries of the old and new worlds4 ,a hearty burst of joy escaped from my lips as ,i recognized them4 ,we laughed1 cried1 shook hands1 and kissed first on one cheek and then on the other1 with the same enthusiasm and naturalness we would have shown had we been inhabitants of dear old mother ,earth4 8,come1 ,frederika6 ,dear ,frederika6 don't stay gazing on that old body6 ,leave friends who cannot talk with you and come with us60 they clamored on all sides4 ,their voices were like a full orchestra2 besides1 some had instruments of music1 upon which they improvised little songs to my honor4 ,i was fairly bewildered4 ,presently they formed a circle about me and commenced whirling rapidly around and around4 ,i felt as in a hammock swayed by the wind2 a dreamy lethargy stole over me1 and ,i gradually became unconscious2 and thus1 ,i am told1 they bore me through the earth's atmosphere1 out in the stellar spaces1 to a new world--a world not of the earth1 earthy1 but the ,new ,jerusalem which ,i had so often pictured to my fancy4 ,a soft1 pleasant breeze blowing directly upon my face1 restored me to consciousness4 ,i opened my eyes1 and1 lo6 ,i was reclining upon a divan in a great pavilion4 ,the friends whom ,i had previously recognized were around me1 some making magnetic passes over me1 others engaged in preparations for my comfort4 ,upon seeing me awaken1 several friends approached with flowers and fruits4 ,the term 8flowers10 though a beautiful appellation1 gives but a faint idea of these marvellous creations4 ,my attention was particularly attracted to one whose corolla was of deep violet striped with gold1 having long silvery filaments spreading out from the cup in lines of light like the luminous trail of a comet4 ,in a state of delicious languor1 ,i watched the varied wonders before me4 ,the pavilion1 which was of silver lace or filagree woven in the most exquisite patterns1 was a hundred or more feet in circumference1 and adorned with open arches and columns on its several sides4 ,these columns and arches were of coral and gold1 which contrasted with the silver network1 and the blossoms and foliage of curious plants and vines which graced the interior1 forming altogether a structure of singular elegance and beauty4 ,numberless forms like the fabled peris and gods of mythology glided in and out of these arches1 and approached me with offerings of welcome4 ,one blooming ,venetian maiden presented me with a crystal containing a golden liquid1 which she said was the elixir of the poets and painters of her nation4 ,the name she gave it was 8,the ,poet's ,fancy10 and she informed me that it was distilled from a plant which fed upon or absorbed the emanations which the active mentalities of these poetic beings exhaled4 ,this information was quite new to me1 and gave me pleasure1 as it accorded with my ideas of correspondence4 ,so ,i sipped the 8,poet's ,fancy10 and imagined that its delicious1 aromatic flavor vivified me like rays of sunshine4 ,if1 previously1 ,i had been charmed1 ,i now certainly experienced a power of enjoyment and quickness of perception tenfold increased4 ,i then inquired for ,swedenborg1 ,spurzheim1 and ,lavatar4 8,you will meet them further on10 said she1 smiling4 8,they are not here40 ,i was so well pleased with her that ,i twined my arm around her fairy-like form and we glided away together4 ,as ,i desired to obtain a peep at the outside of the beautiful pavilion1 my companion led the way1 pausing here and there to present me to groups who had advanced for that purpose4 ,the company ,i found to be composed of writers and painters1 interspersed with a few of my own personal friends2 and ,i felt gratified to find myself so well received by those whom ,i had known on earth as celebrities4 8',tis strange10 ,i remarked to my companion1 8that such choice minds should all be gathered together in one place40 8,they are spirits congenial to your own10 said she4 8,like attracts like1 and they have come from their respective homes in the spirit world to welcome you here40 8,ah10 said ,i1 8,i now begin to understand what all this fine company means6 ,this is my reception40 ,as we were leaving the pavilion we were joined by ,herr ,von ----1 the celebrated ,swedish naturalist who had recently entered the spirit world4 ,he congratulated me upon my safe arrival1 and kindly offered to act as cicerone and to point out to me the marvels by which ,i was surrounded4 ,to my astonishment1 on reaching the open air ,i discovered that the pavilion was located upon the summit of a lofty mountain4 ,the face of this mountain was of many colors and glistened like precious stones4 ,my friend led me to the point of a precipice on one side and bade me look down4 ,this ,i did1 and beheld phosphorescent rays issuing from the sides4 8,what wonder is this80 ,i asked4 ,he informed me the mountain was magnetic in its character1 and that it was1 so to speak1 the first station from earth1 and a point easily attained by a spirit newly arriving from that planet4 ,he said ,i was not permanently to remain upon the mountain1 but was placed there until ,i should become acclimated to the spirit atmosphere1 and to acquire strength before travelling to that portion of the spirit land which would form my permanent abode4 ,the apex of the mountain formed a flat plain about two miles in extent4 ,we walked onward some distance1 when he pointed out to me another pavilion1 much larger than the one to which ,i had been borne4 ,the exterior form of each was alike1 and resembled a ,turkish mosque2 the crown-like canopy which formed the top being surmounted by a ball so dazzling in brightness that ,i was obliged to turn my gaze from it4 ,this ball was composed of an electric combination1 which shed its rays far through space4 8,and10 said the good ,herr ,von ----1 8as the pavilion is used for the reception of the friendless and the homeless1 they are attracted and guided to it by its coruscations40 ,we proceeded some steps further1 and he showed me how the mountain1 which is steep and precipitous on the northern exposure1 sloped into broken chains and lower elevations on the southern2 and from this point1 looking down1 ,i beheld through the clear atmosphere a billowy landscape1 clothed with soft1 rich verdure1 more fresh and green to the eye than that which covers dear mother ,earth4 8,how wonderful are thy works1 ,o ,god60 ,i exclaimed1 as we retraced our steps4 ,and ,i could not but reflect upon the singular trait exhibited by ,jesus of frequenting a high mountain to pray4 ,surely1 altitude elevates one into the spiritual state1 and no doubt ,christ felt nearer to the spirit world when elevated far above ,jerusalem1 on the mountain-top1 amid the clouds4 ,thus1 looking down from the sublime height1 ,i realized for the first time that ,i too was a spirit and an inhabitant of the world in which ,jesus dwelt6 ,,lyman ,,beecher4 ,,the ,,sabbath4 ,in the days of my ministrations on earth1 it was pretty generally believed that the ,sabbath day was one of peculiar sanctity2 and that the ,creator1 having completed the creation of the earth in six days1 had rested upon the seventh from the labor attendant on that work4 ,but science1 which is ever at war with the ,jewish record1 has established the fact that the world was not created in that short space of time4 ,the multiplicity of worlds created also disprove the idea that the ,creator could have rested during any set period of time4 ,some zealous skeptics1 to counteract the belief in the sanctity of the ,sabbath1 have asserted that mind can never rest1 and that as ,god is a spirit1 rest to him is impossible4 ,even granting this hypothesis1 history and research have proven the wisdom and utility of the ,jewish ,sabbath1 as established by the great lawgiver1 ,moses4 ,the ,jews at that time were an active1 restless1 laboring people4 ,their industry had enriched ,egypt1 and having escaped from her oppressive bondage1 they were liable1 in their efforts to found a nation of their own1 to carry their habits of industry to excess4 ,probably they overworked their slaves1 their cattle1 themselves1 and the 8stranger within their gates40 ,their wise lawgiver1 under the direct influence of spiritual guides1 promulgated this law3 8,six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work1 but the seventh is the ,sabbath of the ,lord2 in it thou shalt not do any work1 thou1 nor thy man-servant1 thy maid-servant1 thy cattle1 nor the stranger within thy gates40 ,and this commandment has been handed down from the ,jewish to the ,christian nations4 ,with the early ,jews it was a day of recreation1 of dancing1 and of song4 ,the early ,christians employed the day at first in social intercourse1 afterwards it became a day of sacred ordinance2 and1 as copies of the ,scriptures were rare1 they met on that day to hear them read1 and in their simple faith would select passages and apply them to their own necessities4 ,when the ,christian religion invaded ,pagan countries and became established1 the days which had formerly been appropriated to feasting and sacrificing to the gods and goddesses became the fast-days of the ,romish ,church4 ,when ,protestantism arose1 she swept off from her calendar these fast-days1 and returned to the simplicity of the ,jewish ,sabbath4 ,puritanism followed and gave a literal meaning to the text1 8,thou shalt do no work40 ,under her reign1 all labor was suspended on the seventh day4 ,a strict watch was set upon the actions of the individual3 household duties were neglected3 fires were not lighted or food cooked4 ,the great world of activity stood still4 ,rest so severe embittered men's judgment1 and the ,sabbath became a day for prying into the derelictions of each other4 ,a rigid observance was placed upon men's actions1 and stringent laws were made to punish the offender against this enforced rest4 ,so tyrannous and exacting did the ,puritan observers of the ,sabbath become1 that their rigid formulas created a rebellion in the minds of the succeeding generation1 and so great has been the reaction1 that in our day it has become a common assertion that 8all days are alike10 and the steam-car and the horse-car1 the coach1 and the hack1 ply their busy wheels through the streets of our large cities1 and the church-goers travel thereon to their different sanctuaries4 8,all days are alike to ,god10 says the reformer2 8why should we observe the ,sabbath more than any other day80 ,i will tell you why3 a concentration of the spiritual nature of men throughout ,christendom necessarily creates a magnetic atmosphere through which spiritual beings can approach4 ,the sincere and devout worshippers in every land congregating in churches upon one day1 send forth waves of magnetic light which extend into the world of spirits4 ,the music and the prayers are borne upward on this current1 and great batteries are thereby formed that cannot but affect the souls in ,paradise4 ,they respond to the music and the prayers1 and worshippers in the churches feel their magnetic influences4 ,those who are sincere in their religious faith say that they feel 8heaven opened to them40 ,even those who attend church from fashion1 or for the purpose of meeting their friends and neighbors1 are there brought in contact with spiritual influences which could reach them in no other way4 ,the experience ,i have gained since my entrance into my spiritual home has given me more liberal ideas of the uses of the ,sabbath1 and taught me that to the working man it is a necessary day of recreation4 ,but ,i lift my voice against its becoming one of beer-drinking and boisterous sports4 ,the workman who is confined to the bench or the workshop1 in the midst of a crowded city1 for six days of the week1 will certainly be benefited by seeking the green fields and healthful influences of the country2 but on reaching that desirable ,eden1 let means be provided for his instruction2 so1 while sitting under the leafy trees1 his mind may be benefited1 and his bodily organism rested1 rather than injured by feasting and rioting in the public gardens and parks4 ,field preaching should become a regular institution of the ,sabbath2 and discourses instructing the mind in morals and sciences should be given in the tent1 or under trees1 in parks and woods set apart for that purpose4 ,then would1 the object of the ,sabbath be attained4 ,as ,i have said1 the spiritual nature is more open to the reception of truth on that day4 ,the state of sleepiness1 which is a well-known attendant on the ,sabbath1 is indicative of the magnetic influence2 and those who discard the day1 and secretly pursue their active employments1 would do well to heed the remarks ,i have made4 ,before ,i close1 ,i wish to make some observations upon the present style of preaching as compared with the sermonizing of my day4 ,when ,i occupied the pulpit1 the doctrines of election and predestination were the principal themes that engaged the attention of ministers4 ,free will and coerced will were questions which puzzled the theologian4 ,looking upon the ,bible as an inspired book1 the most careless sentence therein expressed became a word of weighty import4 ,we engaged the minds of our hearers with abstract questionings and reasonings4 ,but we never could make the doctrine of predestination accord with that of free will4 ,nor could we clearly account for the presence of evil1 while we believed the ,creator to be all wise1 all powerful1 and cognizant of the end from the beginning4 ,yet these were the topics which the minister of my day discussed and endeavored to make clear to the comprehension of his hearers4 ,we did not treat of every-day life2 the pulpit we considered too sacred for such topics4 ,religion with the masses became an abstract state of holiness4 ,men assumed long faces and sober bearings upon the seventh day2 but their every-day life was something different1 which the minister and his ministering did not reach4 ,but the pulpits of to-day are platforms of another kind4 ,they have altered1 even as their shape has altered4 ,their outward construction corresponds to their teachings4 ,in my day the pulpit was narrow and straight1 and was lifted high above the people4 ,but at the present day a step only separates it from the congregation4 ,it is broad1 low1 and open4 ,the teachings received from it correspond with its change of form4 ,the ministers of to-day are one with their flock4 ,their discourses are practical1 relating to every-day affairs4 ,they no more discuss the questions of ,satan1 of angels1 and archangels1 nor arouse an undefined fear by descanting on the mysterious prophecies of ,daniel3 they talk to you like human beings4 ,i remember being somewhat shocked while listening to sermons preached by my son1 ,h4,w4 ,beecher4 ,i recall sitting near his pulpit1 and longing to get up and tell the congregation my views of texts and matters of which he was discoursing4 ,i thought then it was because the race was going backward--becoming less intellectual--that men should be content to listen to sermons that contained so little theology4 ,but experience in spirit life has caused me to change my opinion4 ,i now see that ,beecher1 ,spurgeon1 and a vast host of others1 are teaching human souls the great truths which will fit them for life hereafter4 ,i have done now with endeavoring to solve improbable problems1 and with simple faith in man's efforts for his own progression1 ,i give my testimony as to the uses of the ,sabbath1 and the advantages of religion in advancing their progress1 and in preparing the spirit for its future home4 ,,professor ,,george ,,bush4 ,,life ,,and ,,marriage ,,in ,,the ,,spirit ,,world4 ,the two worlds--the spiritual and the material--are like twin sisters whom ,i have seen1 so similar that their acquaintances could not distinguish between them1 and yet so dissimilar that an intimate friend would wonder why one should ever be mistaken for the other4 ,i propose to give a short account of the society and conditions of life in the spiritual spheres4 ,the ,swedenborgian ,society of which ,i was a member while on earth1 continues to exist as a body in the spirit world1 though ,swedenborg1 the great seer and founder of that sect1 is not a leader among them4 ,he has his country seat in ,swedenborgia1 a beautiful and intellectual settlement named after him1 where he retires within himself1 and directs his great mind in developing his science of correspondences1 which he proposes to arrange so systematically that it will become a part of the teachings of earth's children4 ,it was never his design to become the leader of a sect1 but his desire was simply to reveal like a telescope that which was unknown4 ,he is deeply interested in the political condition of ,sweden1 ,norway1 and ,germany1 and exerts his vast intellect towards emancipating the minds of those nations from the bondage of church and state4 ,it is curious to witness with what fidelity ,swedenborg described in many instances the condition of the soul after death2 and also to perceive in other instances how utterly he misinterpreted the visions presented4 ,such discrepancies are incidental to all clairvoyant states2 and this is not surprising1 for it is incidental to humanity4 ,man sees clearly when the prejudices of education and the influence of his loves do not pervert his vision4 ,what political economist1 strongly biased in favor of one mode of government1 can contemplate dispassionately an opposing form8 ,the theological belief which ,swedenborg imbibed in his early youth1 tinctured his description of the heavens and hells of the spirit world1 causing him to represent the soul as reaching a period in its love of evil when it cannot retrace its steps4 ,the hells of the spirit are similar to the hells of earth1 being like them the result of the ignorance and perverted loves of animal man4 ,what hell more fearful than the hell of licentiousness8 ,yet it is merely the animal side of the heaven of love4 ,swedenborg discovered hells in spiritual existence1 where the inmates lived lives of prostitution4 ,his statement concerning such hells is true4 ,individuals who have lived such lives upon earth cannot suddenly be transformed4 ,their habits become spiritual diseases with them4 ,now1 as to marriage1 the mere form does not make the wife different from the courtezan1 but her love exalts her above that condition4 ,if she be united to a man who is repulsive to her nature1 and yet submits to his embraces for the considerations of family1 or home1 or public opinion1 she is on the same plane with the courtezan4 ,it is a proposition generally believed1 that there is a soul-mate for every human being1 and it is usually supposed that in the spirit world those mates are found1 and that those united there live together inseparably4 ,but as there exists in the spirit world the same states1 the same variety of progressive development among men and women as in this world1 so unions are formed there in which one soul develops beyond the capacity of the other1 and in such cases changes must ensue4 ,i will now speak of marriages more in detail4 ,in the summer land the union of the man with the woman occurs from very similar causes to those which bring about like unions upon earth--the man is drawn to the woman and the woman to the man through the operation of a natural law4 ,if instinct were not so impaired by the cultivation of the external faculties1 there would arise but little difficulty--on earth in selecting partners adapted to each other4 ,considerations of wealth and position are permitted to influence your selections rather than the idea of congeniality and adaptability4 ,in spirit life this method is reversed1 and the marriages formed there are productive of greater happiness than those among men in the first condition of life4 ,but as ,i have stated1 marriage in the spirit world is not an indissoluble bond4 ,some minds associate together in harmony and expand in the same direction1 and with these the union is permanent4 ,i have seen such in the spirit world1--beautiful and noble souls intertwined and aspiring together4 ,there be others whose states and conditions after a time become changed4 ,such seek new companions1 and this is permitted without discredit to the individuals4 ,many forms of marriage ceremonies are extant in the different societies and countries4 ,garlands of flowers and symphonies of divine music are bestowed upon the bride and groom4 ,bright bands of spirits from the celestial heavens attend them1 for they represent in their love and in their wedded joy the harmonies of nature6 ,while they love1 sin1 sorrow1 darkness1 and all evils shrink from sight4 ,from these spiritual marriages are born soul attributes4 ,human beings are never generated in the second condition2 they need what is known as the material world for their nurture and growth2 and yet ,i understand that in some of the more refined spiritual existences births have occurred4 ,the beings born there are indigenous--not generated by earth parents1 but offspring of those refined conditions4 ,i know not of this as a fact2 yet if we take the old ,jewish ,bible as a history1 we find an analogous statement there in the assertion that ,christ was born of ,god in a spiritual state of existence previous to entering this earth plane4 ,spirit soils and atmosphere interblend and produce trees1 shrubs1 flowers1 and the cereals1 but the human being1 after the second birth1 ceases to reproduce his species4 ,his children are thoughts born of the spirit4 ,after birth succeeds death4 ,the soul passes through many stages of existence in the process of refinement4 ,the next state of existence to the material1 ,i term the spiritual1 and the one beyond that the celestial1 and beyond that the seraphic4 ,in the next state1 to which ,i in common with all men who have not passed some hundreds of years in the spirit world belong1 individuals pass through a condition analogous to death upon the earth4 ,spiritual bodies are subject to a process of refinement and decay2 and the soul1 as the winged butterfly to which it is likened1 throws off its cerement and assumes a new form4 ,but with us the transmigration is not veiled in darkness and mystery as with you4 ,we can watch the transformation2 we can see the spirit emerge from its old casement more ethereal than ourselves1 but still visible2 and we can hold communion with it4 ,so slight is this change with us that your mediums seldom touch upon the fact4 ,spirit is inseparable from matter1 and can give neither form nor expression without it4 ,the ,great ,invisible ,creator of the ,universe must have thought of trees1 flowers1 beasts1 birds1 fish1 and the wonderful exhibitions of form through the vast realm of matter1 previous to their existence4 ,but he had to give them shape in matter--perishable but re-creative matter2 and if the ,master-mind of all cannot express his thought otherwise than with this ever changing1 yet ever reconstructing thing called matter1 how can the human soul manifest but through a spiritualized condition of matter1 ever changing yet ever re-creating and refining1 mounting higher and higher1 from the earthly to the spiritual1 from the spiritual-to the celestial1 on--on--till finally reaches ,deity--himself6 ,,junius ,,brutus ,,booth ,,acting4 ,all great actors are media for spirit influx4 ,it would be a marvellous sight if the curtain which hangs between the spirit world and the stage were uplifted1 and the invisible drama which is being enacted exposed to view4 ,then would you behold 8the airy spirits0 to whom ,shakspeare so truthfully alludes1 moving like comets in gorgeous light around the inspired actor6 ,inspiration is motion1 acceleration1 intensity2 it has no part or parcel with lethargy4 ,i recall my past experience1 portions of which ,i review with regret4 ,in endeavoring to obtain this energy1 this motion1 this acceleration1 ,i was obliged in my ignorance to resort to artificial means4 ,a knowledge of the laws of spirit life would have enabled me to have avoided this mistake2 but that knowledge ,i did not possess4 ,the actor of the present day is blessed with the knowledge that he has merely to throw himself into the magnetic state1 and become en rapport with spiritual conditions1 to find himself inspired--inflated with the divine magnetic current which flows from the spirit world to the inhabitants of earth4 ,if a player desires to represent a certain character1--let it be the subtle1 fiend-like ,richard ,,iii4 or the crafty ,richelieu1--the customary mode of studying such characters is to endeavor to imagine one's self to be the person4 ,that is the first step towards mediumship2 for it is one degree from the natural1 towards the superior state4 ,usually1 through ignorance1 the student proceeds no further than this point2 and the spirit assistants can only partially aid him4 ,but an actor possessing the knowledge of placing himself en rapport with these characters1 whether traditional or real1 is immediately cut loose from his surroundings and becomes the ,richard or ,richelieu whom he would personate4 ,from the brain of every spirit medium ascends a blazing sun1 which burns the brighter when the magnetic relations between it and the spirit world are most perfect4 ,this blazing light1 this radiant effulgence1 is perceived instinctively1 though not knowingly1 by every individual who listens to a discourse from a 8trance medium40 ,so from the brain of the actor this glorious light throws out its rays into the assembly1 and when he becomes fully inspired1 its magnetic influence is felt with overpowering vividness2 and the result is1 the audience themselves are set in motion1 and from pit to gallery you hear vociferous applause4 ,there are actors who are good1 and who acquire fame1 who have never felt this divine afilatus4 ,the intellect of the audience appreciates them for their declamation1 for the art and artifice which they manifest2 but the humblest and most illiterate of that assembly know well that this studied eloquence does not fire the brain4 ,but it will not do to trust blindly to spirit control2 a knowledge and constant study of human nature is necessary4 ,it is a well-known fact that a person steadily looking at one point will influence twenty others to look at that point also1 and to imagine they see some object before them4 ,understanding this principle1 you may work upon each attribute in the minds of your audience4 ,if fear is to be aroused1 do as your neighbor does as he hastily enters your house after meeting with a fearful calamity4 ,you become excited before even hearing the evil which has befallen him4 ,every faculty can be acted upon in the same manner--grief and joy alike4 ,of the ventriloquial powers of the human voice1 many speakers are ignorant4 ,the tyro on the stage wishing to make the remotest individual in his audience hear1 bawls at the top of his lungs4 ,he is unaware that the organs of the human voice are a kind of electrical machine1 governed by the will-power1 and that the actor has merely to throw his will and direct his mind to a given point1 for his voice to reach that point and produce a far more startling effect than the loudest blast that any pair of lungs could bring forth4 ,thus the lowest whisper can be made to tell at the farthest corner of the theatre4 ,but perhaps ,i have said enough of the methods best adapted to produce representations of character on the stage4 ,the question may arise in the mind of the reader1 whether there is any opportunity of exercising the talent of acting in the spirit world1 supposing that talent to have been cultivated in this4 ,in the remotest ages1 and among the most uncultivated nations1 as well as among the most highly civilized1 the power of representing human passions and events has been exercised instinctively1 showing this power to be as much a portion of the soul's attributes as the gift of thought or of fancy4 ,if one belongs to the immortal condition1 the other does also4 ,one of the chief enjoyments which the all-wise ,creator has made attainable to the inhabitants of the starry heavens is that of dramatic representations of life1 character1 and events1 transpiring in the countless worlds that wheel through space4 ,the field of the actor for depicting the truths of human nature in the world of spirits is vast and unconfined6 ,eloquence is appreciated on earth1 but that appreciation is weak and tasteless compared with the estimation of that 8gift of the gods0 by the inhabitants of the summer land4 ,some blind1 short-sighted investigators tell you there is no speech among us2 they would lead you to imagine that we inhabit a world blank and void of sound2 that stillness more unbroken than the grave pervades our mysterious realm4 ,conjure up the picture in your fancy1 reader--the soul shrinks back from such a state6 ,the spirit world is all voice4 ,never have ,i heard notes clearer1 louder1 deeper1 than resound through the electric air that surrounds my home4 ,the gift of speaking1 and of representing individualities separate from your own identity1 is a spiritual gift decidedly2 and with us theatres and amphitheatres are as numerous as churches are with you4 ,i will leave the description of these structures for the ready pen and speech of our friend ,burton4 ,,john ,,wesley4 8,,the ,,division ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,christ1 ,,into ,,several ,,bodies1 ,,and ,,its ,,re-,,organization ,,into ,,one ,,general ,,body40 ,i will take for my text this sentiment from the ,new ,testament3 8,i will draw all men unto me1 and there shall be one church and one people40 ,the church which was organized by our ,lord,a ,jesus ,christ was designed to establish a feeling of brotherhood between separate and distinct classes of people1 and to abolish the system of castes1 which was the prevailing sin of the eastern nations4 ,footnote ,a3 ,the word 8,lord0 is used in the sense of an earthly lord who cares for his people4 ,christ made no distinction between the ,sadducee and the ,pharisee1 the publican and the saint1 the high priest of the temple and the lowliest of his followers4 ,he placed the affections above the intellect1 truth and sincerity above wealth and worldly position4 ,the church which he originated for many years followed in his footsteps4 ,but as it increased in numbers it accumulated wealth1 and with wealth came power1 and from that power issued discord and separation4 ,thus1 the church divided and subdivided1 and split into a thousand pieces1 formed new interests1 created new beliefs1 and sowed dissension and envy with a free hand4 ,such has been the condition of the church for the past ten or twelve centuries4 ,meanwhile1 in the ,heaven of ,heavens1 has arisen a powerful movement directed towards restoring it to its original state of purity and simplicity4 ,this great movement1 like a mighty river seeking its outlet1 has rushed on1 diverging at several points1 and at length found the reservoir it sought in what is termed ,spiritualism4 ,the spiritualistic movement opened the gates for the expression of skepticism1 which the formalism1 the tyranny1 bigotry1 and externalism of the ,church awakened in the minds of the people of every enlightened ,christian nation2 and the result has been a criticism so pungent1 and an examination so thorough and direct1 into the deformities of the ,church1 that she has been obliged to contemplate her own condition and the rottenness of her position1 until she fairly trembles at the view of her disjointed parts4 ,on every hand now1 at the present moment1 efforts are being made to consolidate--to rejoin4 ,on one side you behold the ,protestant ,episcopal ,church offering to unite with the ,methodists1 from whom1 since my day1 they have stood aloof1 as an illegal and fanatical people whom they could not fellowship4 ,on the other side1 you see them stretching to the ,roman ,church1 forming a brotherly compact of forms and ceremonies with ,papacy4 ,one branch of the ,presbyterian ,church wears the robes of the ,roman ,church1 and thus that is linked to ,catholicism4 ,all these denominations which have stood apart so long1 whose theology has been so antagonistic1 are now merging into one ,church4 ,in the face of the great danger which ,spiritualism or ,liberalism has brought to their sight1 they endeavor to return to their first estate1 but in returning they lose their identity4 ,this result is sure1 though unperceived by them4 ,one by one1 they will give up this point of difference and that point of difference1 this creed and that creed1 for the sake of harmony4 ,this vestment they lay aside1 and that form1 until they will all be swallowed up1 and neither ,methodists nor ,calvinists1 ,baptists nor ,lutherans1 ,armenians1 ,jews1 nor ,gentiles1 will remain4 ,then the primitive ,church of ,christ will be revived again upon earth1 simple and unostentatious2 its creed will be the creed of ,jesus ,christ3 8,the brotherhood of man1 and the love of ,god for his children40 ,this creed1 you perceive1 embraces the whole of the spiritualistic faith1 which is causing these great changes throughout the ,church of ,christ on earth4 99 99 99 99 99 ,at this point it will not be inappropriate to make some allusion to the mysterious sounds which occurred in my house in ,lincolnshire1 ,england1 at intervals within the space of three or more years during my earthly ministrations4 ,these mysterious sounds1 even in that day1 were supposed to have been caused by spirit agency4 ,i have ascertained that that supposition was correct2 and my attention has since been directed to the fact in ,church history1 that every separation from the ,church body which has originated in a desire to return to the simplicity and purity of the primitive followers of ,jesus1 has been attended by similar mysterious demonstrations4 ,luther and ,mclancthon1 ,knox and ,calvin1 and the earnest dissenters and reformers of every age1 have been haunted in like manner4 ,i say haunted1 for they generally have misunderstood the aim of these spiritual visitants4,a ,it has devolved upon the scientific researches and the skeptical but investigating mind of the nineteenth century to form a process by which the spirit of the departed can communicate with the dwellers in ,time4 ,footnote ,a3 ,the spirit of ,rev4 ,dr4 ,john ,m4 ,krebbs1 of ,new ,york1 states through this clairvoyant that the cause of his mental aberration while on earth was a misinterpretation by him of a spiritual vision which he was permitted to receive4 ,thus misunderstanding the aim of his spiritual visitants1 he became haunted with a fallacy which ultimated in his death4 ,,ed4 ,to me this science was unknown4 ,had ,i been acquainted with the facts with which ,i am now familiar1 ,i might have established a more liberal ,church1 but as it was1 this daily association with an unseen spiritual presence enlarged my views of the condition attending the soul after death1 and caused me to give utterance to thoughts which happily have aided in preparing the world for the ,universal ,church which ere long will lift its towering dome toward ,heaven4 ,n4,p4 ,,willis4 ,a ,,spirit ,,revisiting ,,earth4 7,a ,,fragment47 ,how wondrous ,i ,through illimitable space1 where myriad suns ,and systems roll their mighty orbs1 ,the spirit moves like some strange wingless bird1 ,darting through space with rapid flight ,until he nears his native home1 ,the earth4 ,his home no longer2 ,he has become the denizen of a world ,more rare and beautiful than earth4 ,with quickening pulse and grand emotion ,he gazes down upon the globe1 ,whose habitations he has left forever6 ,cities with their palaces and towers1 ,surging seas1 leafy forests1 and fields of grain1 ,the towering mountain and the massy ,icebergs of the ,polar sea sweep past ,his sight like fading visions4 ,,allan ,,cunningham4 ,,alone4 ,far away from earthly care1 ,free as a bird1 ,i soar through air1 ,and think of thee in thy sad1 lonely home1 ,watching and waiting for thy love to come4 ,dost thou hear me call thee1 ,sweet6 ,sweet6 ,many the years till we shall meet4 ,my spirit home is bright and fair ,with flowers and birds and wonders rare4 ,seraphic the faces that on me smile1 ,but the one ,i love is on earth the while1 ,will she hear me calling1 ,sweet6 ,sweet6 ,many the years till we shall meet4 ,many the years ,i'll watch and wait ,till ,i see thee at the golden gate1 ,then in my arms will ,i bear thee away ,to my jewelled home where sunbeams play4 ,then together we'll sing1 ,sweet6 ,sweet6 ,well worth the waiting thus to meet4 ,,baron ,,von ,,humboldt4 ,,the ,,earthquake4 ,this mysterious and awful visitant1 which convulses the earth apparently without warning1 is1 however1 like all the manifestations of nature1 preceded by signs which the observing and understanding eye can perceive and calculate upon as unerringly as the astronomer can determine the approach of a comet4 ,the inhabitable earth is merely a shell or crust over the great mass of uninhabitable matter4 ,the world beneath the earth's surface is as diversified as the world above4 ,it has its mountains1 its streams1 its plains1 its caverns1 and its internal volcanoes4 ,as fearful storms1 accompanied by lightning and rumbling thunder1 sweep over the earth's surface1 so beneath the crust occur electric storms1 accompanied with terrific combustions of gases1 which in their efforts to escape convulse the outer earth1 and in many cases rend the shell asunder4 ,the earthquake which has recently 7,august #ac1 #ad1 #ae1 and #af1 #ahfh7 shaken the ,pacific coast was occasioned by the discharge of the pent-up gases beneath1 and also in part by the heated condition of the outer surface4 ,the 8tidal phenomenon10 as it is called1 is the effect of the electrical condition of the earth beneath4 ,the chemical components of the sea form a sensitive magnetic body1 which is subject to attraction and repulsion1 and as the magnetic current extended for several thousands of miles1 and was caused by a collision of negative and positive forces1 the sea was attracted and repulsed along the whole line of the internal commotion by the action of these forces4 ,the northern portion of this globe has in times past suffered from convulsions similar to those which now visit the tropical climates4 ,the fearful privations and heart-rending calamities which visited the earlier inhabitants of the earth are only known to the student of the cosmos of nature after he has attained the second birth4 ,the forces within and around the earth are now in comparative subjugation1 but in the earlier periods of its existence1 while still it was in the process of changing from a state adapted to a lower condition of animal life to one fitted to a higher state of animal and intellectual existence1 the elements were in a frequent state of rupture and disorder4 ,no mortal pen can depict the scene which ,i recently witnessed on the occurrence of the earthquake on the ,pacific coast4 ,forty thousand souls arising amid smoke and blackened clouds of flying stones and upheaving earth1 with outstretched arms1 and faces strained with horror1 emerging suddenly from their old bodies into their spirit-forms--looking awestruck into each other's faces2 a vast swarm clinging together almost as helplessly as young bees to their hive--suddenly cut off from their occupations and their pleasures1 their homes1 and their familiar affairs of earth6 ,but what they experienced1 proud and noble cities of the past have experienced likewise4 ,grace and ornament1 art and grandeur1 beauty1 love1 and manly strength have been swept away time and again by the bursting of the treacherous doors that lead into the heart of the earth6 ,change marks the footsteps of the ,creator4 ,the solid mountain1 the firm1 unyielding earth1 which to the unthinking mind seem durable and eternal in their strength1 like mankind carry within themselves the seeds of their own dissolution4 ,yet the day will come when man1 by the aid of science1 will1 through these premonitory symptoms1 foresee the coming events1 even as the wise physician can discern the time when his patient's soul will leave its body4 ,nature misunderstood is a fearful mystery2 but understood1 she is a simple and beautiful piece of mechanism2 and the earthquake may not be more disastrous than the flood or the avalanche when science and experience have taught men to avoid the localities of danger1 and to watch the hour of its approach1 that they may flee before it4 ,nature is never abrupt in her actions4 ,she heralds her intentions long before she enacts them1 but as it requires the quick ear of the savage--the child of nature--to detect the far-off prey1 so it requires the student of nature to discover the distant tread of the earthquake4 ,,sir ,,david ,,brewster ,,naturalness ,,of ,,spirit ,,life4 ,the human mind is subject to false and specious reasoning1 and time after time opinions which have been held and argued upon with seeming logical acumen1 have1 by further developments and discoveries1 been proven fallacious4 ,and yet of so elastic a nature is the mind of man that he is not crushed nor discouraged by his mistakes1 but immediately commences to build new theories2 but as he establishes them by specialties instead of generalities1 he is again defeated4 ,the ,european mind has adopted a certain line of thought respecting the future state of existence1 which it substantiates by narrow reasonings and isolated facts4 ,of the future we can only judge by analogy of the past with the present4 ,nature ever shadows forth her new developments upon the old4 ,the many periods or stages through which the earth has passed in reaching her present state of refinement1 have been stamped one upon the other so that the ,geologist can determine definitely what would be the result of a certain period from the characteristics of the foregoing4 ,now it is educible3 if the ,creator of the race of men who inhabit the terrestrial globe had intended for them a future state or destination differing in every respect from their present one1 he would have prepared their minds for different pursuits1 and ordained them for other occupations than those they follow to the very grave4 ,take man in his most natural condition--examine those nations that are most ancient1 and unmixed with other races--and you will perceive that their ideas of a future state were in accordance with the life they were living on earth4 ,the ,asiatic race in burying its dead prepares the favorite food of the deceased1 the fragrant tea1 and the money so useful on earth4 ,also slips of paper on which messages are written to departed friends are lighted at these burial ceremonies1 and reduced to ashes1 that the spirit of the text may be transmitted to their friends in the world of souls4 ,in these 8,pagan rites10 as they are termed1 we discern the workings of an intuitive belief that the spirit of man still retains the sensations1 attributes1 and desires which have accompanied it through life4 ,the ancient ,greeks and ,romans held similar opinions1 likewise the ,africans1 ,hindoos1 and the ,indians of ,north and ,south ,america4 ,by far the largest portion of mankind believe in a natural state hereafter1 corresponding to their earth existence1 but the ,european nations which are supposed to be advanced in science1 art1 and philosophical attainments beyond all the nations of the earth1 have1 in their speculations and in their efforts to penetrate the mysteries of the world of spirits1 lost sight1 of the natural and entered the supernatural1 where they are surrounded by fogs1 clouds1 and ignes-fatui4 ,now if these people are told that the spirit world is divided into states and continents1 cities and towns1 as is their own world 7though under spirit appellations71 they would scoff at the statement4 ,but as mankind has a natural love of locality1 and as congenial minds will select similar locations1 adapted to their ideas of beauty and comfort1 the result is that spirit inhabitants unite and form cities and towns as on earth4 ,thus combining1 they must have some points of interest to occupy their minds1 and as they still possess their power of construction and ingenuity1 their love of beautiful forms and of architecture1 they prefer not to live in the open air and on the bare ground 7as they can certainly do71 but choose rather to employ their various faculties in building cities and habitations in accordance with their tastes and ideas of convenience4 ,once grant that man is provided with a spiritual body after he emerges from his original one--accept the hypothesis that this body must possess form and sensation1 and with sensation1 eyes1 ears1 mouth1 taste1 and motion--then you must provide means for that body to exist4 ,in providing these means you must place him upon a soil capable of producing vegetation1 where his intelligence may compound the various articles adapted to his use4 ,some individuals enter the spirit world deformed1 some feeble in intellect1 some incapable of constructing or arranging4 ,all these must have provision made for them2 their wants must be supplied4 ,the effort to supply want or demand produces a system of exchange or barter4 ,many of the inhabitants of the spirit world are both good and kind4 ,they are spiritualized in their natures1 and are influenced by a desire to assist those who are needy4 ,nature1 or ,god1 has ordained that existence should depend upon effort2 that a state of inactivity should produce dissolution2 and much the same means are taken there to enforce activity as in the material world4 ,true1 some men possess natural gifts1 by which knowledge is acquired without labor4 ,the power of seeing before the demonstration belongs to all humanity4 ,it is the negative form of knowledge2 but combined with that power is the positive1 which compels man to desire a visible representation or demonstration of the knowledge he has received by intuition4 ,the astronomer thus1 before he constructs his telescope1 perceives intuitively the very stars which his telescope proves as existing1 where none are visible to the eye4 ,it was this active-positive principle1 that made him construct the instrument2 and in the spirit world1 as on earth1 that active-positive principle acts in conjunction with the negative-intuitive one1 in impelling him to exertion1 and forcing him to acquire knowledge in every department of science1 art1 philosophy and religion4 ,as well expect this earth to rest in her revolution and still retain her place in the solar system1 as to suppose that the spirit of man can lose its activity and sink to rest eternal4 ,man is not only active in constructing and exploring in the spirit world1 but he is also engaged in inventions4 ,most of the discoveries that have lessened manual labor and made gross matter subservient to man's use originated in the land of spirits4 ,the inventor finds full field for his talents in the superior state4 ,man naturally delights in knowledge1 and the individual who knows how to construct a steam locomotive finds a thrill of satisfaction in the possession of that ability4 ,so does he who can arrange and construct any piece of mechanism1 any domestic tool4 ,that feeling of gratification at the accomplishment of his plans accompanies man to the spirit life4 ,all persons do not follow the same pursuits in which they were engaged on earth1 yet they adopt a kindred and congenial employment4 ,the clergyman thinks his work done when he leaves the earth2 but in the next state1 also1 he will find beings who need to have their spiritual and moral natures instructed--men who desire to be led--who cannot think for themselves1 but lean upon the thoughts and inferences of others4 ,so with almost every pursuit--there is opportunity to exercise it in the world of spirits4 ,the painter finds nobler themes for his pencil1 more angelic faces for his canvas2 and the desire to reproduce them as they appear is as intense there as it is here4 ,although a spirit can impress his form in color and raiment upon the sensitive plate in the spirit world1 and the image remains fixed and permanent 7for the photographic art is essentially spiritual in its origin71 that result though definite1 is as unsatisfactory to some minds in the spirit world as it is in the natural4 ,and thus1 while persons differ in their desires and perceptions1 there will be the same varied modes of expressing thought in the superior life as in this4 ,the question is often asked1 8,why should immortals walk1 when they can move with greater velocity than light80 ,in return ,i would inquire1 8,why1 when men can travel by the steam-engine1 do they prefer the slow movements of the horse80 ,again1 it is asked1 8,why1 if spirits can converse by thought-language--if they can express with their eyes1 or impress magnetically their wishes1 or the words they desire to utter--why should they employ their vocal organs80 ,but ,i rejoin that the deaf and dumb on earth converse by signs with great celerity1 yet would gladly express their thoughts with voice also4 ,many trancendentalists and idealists fancy that the inhabitants of the spirit world do not converse audibly2 yet they would be greatly shocked if told that in that world there reigned one vast silence2 that sound was unknown2 and yet such a condition would exist1 if their mode of reasoning were correct4 ,no unbiased person would suppose for a moment1 that song was unheard in this land of the immortals2 that the voices of the spirit maidens never burst forth into melody2 and that they could not give utterance to their feelings and sentiments1 in the warbling notes of music6 ,spirits can read each other's thoughts1 although possessing a universal spoken language1 and also retaining in many sections the native dialect they used on earth4 ,though the spirit world is a world of marvels and miracles1 and things unutterable1 which the tongue cannot express1 yet it is a world similar to the natural one2 a glorified body of the old earth4 ,the soul visiting that new country will not feel itself an utter stranger on its shore1 but will find that it can assimilate with the thoughts and feelings of the residents of that land1 and the knowledge and experience which it developed on earth will be useful to it there4 ,if the teachers on your planet1 and those who instruct concerning the condition of the soul after death1 would employ the same reason and intelligence that they exercise in investigating any other obscure subjects--either chemistry1 astronomy1 or natural philosophy1--they would arrive at more truthful data respecting the spirit globe which ultimately they are all destined to inhabit4 ,h4,t4 ,,buckle4 ,,the ,,mormons4 ,looking upon the world1 the voyager through space discerns vast tracts of land1 uninhabited barren wastes1 and immense forests echoing only the tread of the wild beast and the cries of birds of prey4 ,it becomes the duty of the political economist to reclaim these lands and place them in the hands of civilization4 ,how is this to be done8 ,shall it be by following in the beaten track of custom8 ,no3 it can only be accomplished by the zeal of the enthusiast4 ,joe ,smith was an inspired man2 even as ,columbus was he inspired4 ,through his agency a colony was started near the dismal ,salt ,lake4 ,through his agency1 and by the aid of his apostles or followers1 the hardy men and women from the overcrowded population of ,europe1 cramped by man1 and priest-ridden1 have been brought across the ocean into republican ,america4 ,they have been placed in this seemingly unpropitious ,salt ,lake country4 ,there they have founded a city2 they have erected factories and mills4 ,the steam engine1 the plow1 and the sewing machine have aided them2 and now1 in place of a company of barbarous peasants1 ignorant and benighted1 and steeped in poverty1 you find them transformed into energetic1 intelligent citizens1 surrounded with comforts and luxuries4 ,and all this has been brought about by a religious enthusiast2 by an enthusiast whose religion is believed to be inferior to the religion of ,protestants4 ,imagine for a moment what result would ensue from a movement of this kind set on foot by the followers of the ,protestant religion as it is taught by the churches of the present day4 ,no theatres or places of amusement would add gayety to the sombre city4 ,the dance and the sound of mirth would be hushed4 ,the inhabitants would walk ever in solemn fear of the awful future that might await them2 they would despise their physical frames1 crucify their passions1 and trample under foot the most divine attributes of their nature4 ,but the religion of the ,mormons is a natural religion2 it is primitive4 ,they people the world even as ,god peopled it in the time of ,abraham and ,isaac4 ,they enrich the state by their tithes4 ,they bring in their corn1 their wine1 and their fruits1 as offerings1 and the state pays them back by improving their roads and building houses for instruction and pleasure for them4 ,their domestic system1 which has been so much despised and ridiculed1 does not greatly differ from the custom of the civilized world4 ,such as are wives with them become with you the neglected women of the town4 ,what with you is considered dishonorable1 with them becomes honorable4 ,the man of wealth in ,utah does not concentrate his riches on a few relatives2 he distributes it among his many wives and numerous children4 ,in all times1 nations which have grown rapidly and have been developed in arts and sciences have been peopled in the same manner4 ,the female element introduces into a community taste1 ornament1 and grace4 ,look at ,california previous to the emigration of women to that land6 ,misrule and misery reigned4 ,it is a law of nature that men and women should be united4 ,in the present form of civilization1 a large proportion of women are compelled to remain single1 and their usefulness to community and humanity is dissipated4 ,the ,mormon system eradicates this evil4 ,the progress of civilization points to a time when a magnetic relation shall be established between all the inhabitants of earth2 when the globe shall form one vast circle of mind as it does now of matter4 ,at present the chain is broken2 the intermediate spaces are not filled up by population4 ,the spirit world is using all its skill to bring about this magnetic connection1 but till this is complete the magnetic relation between the spirit world and earth cannot be perfect4 ,wise intelligences in the world of spirits have originated and guided the ,mormon movement1 and these intelligences will develop new communities under similar auspices4 ,the legislators of the land1 the ,napoleons of the day1 would do well to investigate the policy of the leaders of ,utah4 ,the crimes common in your large cities are not known among the ,mormons4 ,they live on friendly terms with the red men of the plains1 and are just in their dealings4 ,each citizen is taught that the public welfare is his own welfare4 ,in your own large towns the citizens shirk public duties2 but in ,utah there is a oneness of feeling1 which it would be well for those who consider themselves superior in the scale of civilization to imitate4 ,w4 ,e4 ,,burton4 ,,drama ,,in ,,spirit ,,life4 8,honor pricks me on4 ,yea2 but how if honor pricks me off when ,i come on8 ,how then8 ,can honor set-to a leg8 ,no4 ,or an arm8 ,no4 ,or take away the grief of a wound8 ,no4 ,honor hath no skill in surgery1 then8 ,no4 ,what is honor8 ,a word4 ,what is that word1 honor8 ,air4 ,a trim reckoning6 ,who hath it8 ,he that died o' ,wednesday4 ,doth he feel it8 ,no4 ,doth he hear it8 ,no4 ,is it insensible1 then8 ,yea1 to the dead4 ,but will it not live with the living8 ,no4 ,why8 ,detraction will not suffer it40 ,what is honor8 ,a mere word4 ,what is ,heaven8 ,a word--a phantasy4 ,a vaporish place1 too delicate and subtle for such fun-loving1 corpulent specimens of the ,creator's wisdom as old ,jack ,falstaff4 ,o rare ,jack ,falstaff6 ,he was a child of nature1 and to my thinking1 his homely phrases displayed more intuitive knowledge of the laws of nature than the finest transcendental imaginings ever discovered4 ,we shock the feelings of a thousand playwrights and play-goers by asserting that in this impalpable land of souls we are guilty of encouraging the playhouse6 ,but so it is2 we cannot live on 8honors20 the fame and glory which has been awarded to us by our fellow-men on earth is like chaff to us4 ,it was with hardly an emotion of surprise that ,i beheld theatres in the spirit land1 though ,i have seen many who1 having been fed on the false system of religion1 and pampered on glittering imaginings1 start back with alarm on beholding the magnificent buildings we have erected to the drama1 thinking1 that by some strange turning1 they had entered through the wrong gate4 ,the drama with us is a source of both enjoyment and instruction4 ,the history of past ages in the spirit world is enacted with thrilling interest1 and each new spirit from earth has an opportunity thus to become acquainted with the transactions of the past in the land of spirits4 ,the gay and brilliant theatre of which ,i have been induced to take the management1 is original in its structure1 and of a light and beautiful style of architecture4 ,the balconies are suspended and movable4 ,outside the building1 and overlooking a placid sheet of water1 are galleries connected with and corresponding to those within1 where persons who desire may pass out during intermission1 and regale themselves with the fresh fruit and the fine prospect4 ,the partitions are constructed of light frames with ornamented pillars1 covered with a fabric resembling parchment4 ,as the climate is warm1 the partitions on the outside of the gallery are merely trellis-screens1 and the whole building is open in structure and perfectly ventilated4 ,the plays which are enacted are generally composed by persons in the spiritual condition4 ,we have many good farces2 and an unending source of material for amusing plays is found in the relationship between the spirit world and earth1 and the eccentric conditions growing out of that relationship4 ,for instance1 there is a laughable comedy being enacted at my theatre1 depicting the adventures of a pious merchant1 who1 after the toils and cares of life1 becomes a resident of the spirit world4 ,the graces and beauties of the angelic women whom he meets on every side enamour him2 he forgets his past life1 forgets the wife who has ruled him on earth1 and in a moment of ecstasy chooses another mate4 ,while in the enjoyment of his bliss1 and surrounded by bands of immortals1 the news runs through the electric wire that his earth-wife is deceased1 and has come in search of him4 ,the consternation and fear of the poor man furnishes ample occasion for amusement1 hilarity1 and fellow-sympathy4 ,our tragedies are cast in a higher mould2 many of them are more sublime than those of earth1 representing the catastrophes of worlds4 ,we also have dramas which awaken the affections1 representing the condition of those from earth who are neglected1 or who1 in consequence of a long career of vice and misery1 cannot be approached by friends4 ,these brief hints will give a slight idea of the source and character of our dramatic representations4 ,some men are born actors1 as others are born painters1 poets or preachers2 and in the spirit world they can no more lay aside those powers which have become a part of them1 than they can lay aside the gifts of observation or reflection4 ,understanding this fact1 it will not surprise you to learn that those most famous in the histrionic art exercise their talents to listening thousands in the spirit world4 ,garrick1 ,kemble1 ,kean1 ,booth1 ,cooke1 also ,rachel1 ,mrs4 ,siddons1 and a host of illustrious actors of different nations1 are now 8treading the boards0 of spiritual theatres4 ,their time1 however1 is not exclusively devoted to the exercise of these gifts1 as on earth4 ,a considerable portion is spent in the study of the arts and sciences2 and many a noted actor becomes an able painter or musician1 and many a low comedian a philosopher4 ,our life is one round of pleasant progression4 ,what ,i have said about our attractive theatre and my enjoyable condition1 ,i hope will not induce any of you1 my fellow-players1 to emigrate to these shores before you are sent for2 but1 like good ,jack ,falstaff1 ,i trust you will live in your own world as long as you can1 and when ,dame ,nature is done with you1 we will give you a hearty welcome and a free pass to the dress circle4 ,,charles ,l4 ,,elliott4 ,,painting ,,in ,,spirit ,,life4 ,my friends know that ,i was not much given to writing or speaking1 and ,i reluctantly answer the call that has been made for me to give my views on art in the spirit existence4 ,the old masters whom we have worshipped from boyhood1 ,raphael1 ,titian1 ,michael ,angelo1 ,da ,vinci1 and all the illustrious names of the ,bolognese and ,venetian schools of art1 have passed away from this sphere of spirit life1 and no longer walk the streets of these wonderful cities which they have adorned with their works4 ,reynolds1 however1 is with us still1 and most of the army of painters who have been born on earth since his day1 here live in bodily shape2 and ,i have had the pleasure of meeting many admirable geniuses of the ,french1 ,german1 and ,english schools1 and have seen some of their extraordinary works1 which1 for diversity of subject and majesty of conception1 seem to rival omnipotence itself6 ,the great majority of ,american artists are secretly spiritualistic in their faith1 and believe that they can be inspired by departed painters4 ,innes1 ,page1 ,church1 and ,powers1 have each felt and acknowledged the inspiration of the spirit of some great master in art4 ,i must confess that these masters are not existing in the sphere occupied by spirits who visit earth1 and will explain the manner in which they impress persons congenial and partaking of like sympathies with themselves4 ,i am informed that it is not material to what sublimated sphere they may have ascended2 it is merely a mesmeric influence which they exert over their disciples1 and this influence can penetrate through all degrees of matter4 ,the reason why all artists are not alike inspired by the great masters is that they are not all subject to mesmeric influence1 or on the same plane of thought4 ,every disciple of high art1 ,i have no doubt1 has observed the magnetic quality which seems to pour forth from the canvas of any great master4 ,this arises from the brain effluvia which they have left upon the canvas1 which is more powerful in its quality than a grain of musk1 which will impart its odor for a hundred years4 ,the colors which the artists here use are formed upon the same model as those they have been in the habit of using on earth4 ,they are more brilliant pigments1 but color has always the same origin4 ,some paint with the brush and some paint with their fingers4 ,i had heard it remarked that the spirit had only to breathe on the canvas1 and his thought would be represented1 painted1 and shaded in a second of time4 ,the substance of this statement is correct1 but there is a slight misapplication of the facts4 ',tis true we have the power which we had on earth to a modified degree1 of projecting the desired form upon the canvas4 ,i remember always1 after looking at my sitter1 ,i could trace in imagination on the canvas the outline and expression of his countenance4 ,this is what we do3 the power of execution is so rapid that the time required for painting a picture might with you pass for a moment2 but it is only a trained artist whose thoughts and comprehension are skilful enough to produce an effect so rapidly4 ,those who have not learned to give form and shape to their ideas while on earth have to pursue a more painful and laborious process4 ,the modern school of color differs widely from the ,venetian1 being crude1 cold1 and sharp in comparison2 and1 in accounting for this difference1 ,i can simply state that one can only represent what one sees4 ,the poetic1 dreamy age1 when men saw nature as through a veil1 is past2 the matter-of-fact1 investigating mind has lifted that veil1 and now sees objects as if in mid-day2 but1 as no condition is stationary1 ,i am told that the mind is gradually moving on in the world of art to a point where it will again see nature in a more subdued and generalized light1 as under the declining sun4 ,the past represented the morning1 the present exhibits the noonday1 and the future will indicate the evening4 ,such is the constant revolution of mind1 and its revolution though slow is certain4 ,in our works of art1 sentiment is the prevailing characteristic4 ,portraits are in great demand4 ,spirits send portrait-painters to earth to obtain likenesses of their friends2 and those spirit-artists who have the power of seeing the lineaments of these friends and portraying them are constantly engaged4 ,leutze has been employed by ,lincoln and others to represent scenes in the ,american rebellion2 and ,colonel ,trumbull1 also1 has executed some magnificent pictures of the battles of ,seven ,pines1 ,fair ,oaks1 and a skirmish at ,hampton ,roads4 ,stuart has completed a splendid portrait of ,general ,grant1 and is now engaged by ,john ,jacob ,astor on a likeness of a beautiful lady dwelling on earth4 ,i have received a commission from ,mr4 ,james ,harper to paint a portrait of his daughter1 who occupied the carriage with him when he lost his life4 ,i am at present engaged on a likeness of a lady residing at ,albany4 ,,comedian',s ,,poetry4 ,,rollicking ,,song4 ,hurrah6 hurrah ,i my boys so bright1 ,for merry ghosts meet here to-night4 ,we'll sing and dance till dawn of day1 ,then up we'll mount1 away6 away6 ,then up1 up1 and away6 ,we live in spirit land so gay1 ,and with grim ,satan's fires we play4 ,you need not fear the future state1 ,for we will meet you at the gate4 ,then up1 up1 and away6 ,come1 friends of earth1 and read our bill1 ',tis called the 8sugar-coated pill20 ',twill sweeten all life's bitter care1 ,and lead you up1 the saints know where1 ,then up1 up1 and away6 ,come laugh with us each man and wife2 ,a player's stage is earthly life2 ,the sting of death is only a prick1 ,and hell the parson's 8trap-door trick10 ,then up1 up1 and away6 ,here's ,garrick1 ,booth1 and ,kean so bright1 ,they shine like stars to give you light4 ,so haste and join the merry throng1 ,and loudly swell our happy song4 ,then up1 up1 and away6 ,,lady ,,hester ,,stanhope4 ,,prophecy4 ,the star of prophecy shines in the east4 ,to those nations who were first in the order of creation belongs by right the power of investigating the mysteries of life4 ,the people of the ,east have been known in all past history for their gift of prophecy4 ,as water gravitates to its level1 so ,i gravitated to the ,east4 ,i left my native land1 and for many years sojourned among the wandering ,arabs4 ,this course of action was not understood by my countrymen4 ,they could not see the mystic star that drew me away from their busy haunts4 ,the ,magi of the ,east had stood at my cradle and endowed me with the noble gift of the ,seeress4 ,the power of reading the future does not belong to the ,northern people4 ,it is the darkest and deepest well that reflects the star above it2 the dark and swarthy ,east is thus endowed4 ,the pale ,north cannot give out impressions4 ,i was an exception to this rule4 ,there are those who at birth are possessed of ,eastern spirits--,asiatics4 ,andrew ,jackson ,davis is not a ,northern man--he is an ,asiatic4 ,look at his olive complexion1 his keen eye1 his beard and hair of jetty black1 his visage1--all betray the race which inspired him4 ,the faculty of discerning the future belongs only to certain races1 and it cannot be universal4 ,many spirits profess to read the future1 but few can do so correctly4 ,yet the life of man is mapped out in every particular1 even before his birth4 ,men are like planets4 ,the future of the planet ,earth could have been foretold before it was thrown off from the sun and while it was yet in a molten state2 so each step in an individual life could be foretold3 yet it requires ability to enter into the peculiar magnetic condition in order to obtain the power of foretelling4 ,it may be said if the future of man is thus mapped out1 even as was the creation and progression of the earth1 it becomes merely a scientific affair to prophesy the future of any given individual4 ,this is true1 but the inquirer will observe how many hundreds and hundreds of years science has been engaged in discovering facts concerning this world's history4 ,the eye of prophecy could foresee those facts and foretell them1 though it could not lay down any scientific basis in regard to them4 ,the events which will take place to-morrow may be said to have already transpired4 ,the water that is rising from yon creek will increase in volume4 ,conditions which have been for days and weeks in preparation will suddenly conspire1 causing the stream to rise to such a height that the city will be overflowed1 bridges swept away1 and certain individuals submerged by the current and their lives lost4 ,this disastrous occurrence is governed by a law which the keen observer of nature could have foretold years previous to the event4 ,as in the natural world the traveller in the desert beholds the mirage of some city which is hundreds of miles distant1 suddenly arising upon the sandy waste1 so1 in the spirit world1 the spectrum form is projected1 and events which are to take place are made visible before their actual occurrence4 ,but1 as in the natural world spectrum forms occur only under certain atmospheric conditions1 so in the spirit world it is the conjunction of circumstances and the blending of magnetic currents that make it possible for coming events to be revealed upon the level plane which is set apart for this purpose in the summer land4 ,man at the present day is so constituted that a revealment to him of coming events in detail would be injurious2 and experience proves that such disclosures1 when made to him in dreams or otherwise1 are profitless1 as he always fails to foil the evil of which he is forewarned4 ,history and biography show that individuals have time and again1 been admonished by their assiduous friends of evils or calamities that were to befall them1 yet the admonition1 though timely given1 seldom enabled them to avoid their fate4 ,men have been warned of murderous assaults1 but they have not evaded them2 premonitions have been given of falling buildings1 and these have fallen1 involving in their destruction the loss of the individual's life at the precise date which his dream foreshadowed4 ,the time will come in the far future when man will understand prophecy as a science4 ,there are few persons living at the present day1 who1 looking back upon their past history1 would conscientiously wish it had been all revealed to them at the outset of their career4 ,the withered1 faded beauty1 at the dawn of her life of youthful triumph could not have endured a vision of the haggard unfortunate wretch which she would represent in the course of a few years4 ,these remarks apply more especially to the so-called civilized state of society at the present day4 ,the semi-barbarous nations1 so termed1 are in closer sympathy with nature4 ,life and death1 prosperity and adversity1 are to them as natural effects as the sunshine and rain of the terrestrial globe4 ,their equanimity1 their perfect repose upon the bosom of nature1 causes them to see more clearly into the future than do civilized nations4 ,there is a spirit of prophecy which does not comprehend the detail1 and only takes cognizance of the grand events of life4 ,this prophetic condition is attainable by every being in a certain state of exaltation4 ,the poet1 the painter1 the statesman1 the preacher1 can alike in moments of ecstasy ascend this mount of inspiration1 and foretell the advancement of the world in relation to art1 science1 and spiritual development4 ,but the oracle1 the sybil of the ,east can penetrate a height beyond and above this mount1 and can perceive the detail of an individual life in its minutest events4 ,the ,bible prophecy which foretold that 8knowledge should cover the earth1 even as the waters cover the sea10 and that 8the wilderness should blossom as the rose10 was given in an ecstatic vision1 and was simply a spiritual comprehension of the power of soul over matter4 ,as a knowledge of distance is relative1 a keen perception on the part of the prophet revealed to him1 as he beheld the birds soaring in air1 that the journey to lands beyond the sea was no greater distance to those winged creatures than a few miles would be to him4 ,the prophecy ,isaiah made more than eighteen hundred years ago1 is fulfilled to-day4 ,science has annihilated space2 knowledge becomes universal1 and the wilderness disappears4 ,the sages of centuries agone are animating the bodies of to-day4 ,the doctrine of pre-existence is not a fable1 yet to have lived two lives belongs only to a chosen few1 or those whom a fortuitous circumstance has blest4 ,napoleon was one of these4 ,the spirit of a great warrior took possession of him at birth4 ,but the condition of a pre-existing soul taking possession of a body can occur only under peculiar circumstances4 ,the soul principle is male and female1 and its perfection depends upon the two sexes as much as the formation of the body depends upon the coalition of the two4 ,in states superinduced by opium or intoxicating liquor upon one party1 the spirit principle becomes deadened so that an active immortal spirit may take its place4 ,this male and female spirit principle1 after forming a magnetic relation by the joined bodies1 lies inactive in the soul atmosphere of the mother until material birth4 ,if1 as is sometimes caused through accident1 there is but one spirit principle active1 the child when born will be idiotic4 ,if the male or female spirit of the pre-existing intelligence is of superior order1 then the child1 as its intellectual faculties develop1 will display extraordinary abilities1 which will be in accordance with the peculiar development of the pre-existent spirit4 ,the history of individuals thus circumstanced can be more clearly discerned than others4 ,prophecy in bold and clear characters foretells the events which will transpire in their earth life4 ,in like manner ,jesus1 the celebrated child of ,bethlehem1 had lived a pre-existent life on earth4 ,he had reigned over a people in his previous life1 a wise and loving king4 ,vague remembrances continuously fluttered across his vision and colored the thoughts to which he gave utterance4 ,when his mother conceived him1 she was not conscious2 delirium of religious ecstasy1 superinduced by priestly influence1 rendered her oblivious to events1 and enabled this wise1 tender1 loving king to take the place of the native spirit4 ,christ never married in this life1 because the spirits which possessed him were not male and female4,a ,footnote ,a3 ,the well-known eccentric character of this writer while on earth may partly explain the singular views here set forth4 ,,ed4 ,the power of foretelling the future is yet in its infancy4 ,coming events are said to cast their shadows before2 and as the barometer indicates to a skilful eye the approach of a storm when no sign is visible in the calm sky above1 so the events which will befall an individual are marked upon the delicate spiritual barometer which forms a part of his being1 and can be read with unerring precision by the clear and practiced eye of the optimist4 ,,professor ,,mitchell4 ,,the ,,planets4 ,the worlds of light that nightly illume the firmament of earth are not mere spheres of uninhabitable matter1 nor are they simply appendages to earth1--glittering ornaments to attract the eye of man1--but vast systems of suns and tributary planets1 with worlds whose products and inhabitants far exceed in organized development those of this little planet ,earth1 whose astronomers are just beginning to realize the capacities of the worlds revealed through their telescopes4 ,many of these worlds have existed centuries prior to the formation of the planet you inhabit1 and their inhabitants have attained a degree of civilization which only time can give to you4 ,the intellectual development of many of the dwellers of these planets is as far superior to your highest state of culture as your condition is in advance of the first stages of barbarism4 ,men of earth erect temples to their ,god--their ,deity--which to them are imposing and grand2 but compared to the magnificent structures that rear their towers high into space from those glittering points that attract your eye1 they are poor and insignificant4 ,yet1 as being the highest expression of your intellectual unfolding1 we look upon them with admiration1 even as you regard the rude attempts of the ,egyptians and the earlier races in their grotesquely formed images and temples4 ,the inhabitants of some of the planets attain a life many times the duration of man's4 ,one of the causes of this prolonged existence is the great age and refinement of the planet4 ,while it is undergoing change1 and preparing the vegetable for the animal1 and the animal for the mental creation1 the conditions that ensue are insalubrious1 and conducive to disease and death4 ,but when the perfection of the natural world is attained--when it becomes1 so to say1 spiritualized1 and its grosser elements are absorbed--then the human being can live on its surface arid develop his faculties from century to century4 ,the thoughtful reader will perceive from this statement that the spirits who have inhabited these superior planets must have attained a far greater perfection than those who have inhabited your earth1 and the spiritual existence1 or heaven1 to which such beings migrate1 is in advance of the heavens in which the dwellers of earth are born4 ,the spiritual heavens correspond to the firmament of the natural world1 and thus there are myriads of systems of spiritual worlds4 ,the residents of these planets visit earth as elder brothers who take by the hand the little faltering infants4 ,but intercourse with the earth is more difficult for them than for your own native spirits1 from the fact that the magnetic atmosphere does not assimilate with them4 ,from the earth's spirit world1 scientific minds of rare development only have been able to visit the spirit homes of those planetary inhabitants4 ,what ,i have said can give but a faint idea of the population of the unseen worlds4 ,as a drop of water which is clear and unoccupied to the eye1 when viewed through the microscope is found to be peopled with living creations1 so the worlds that overspread the heavens are peopled in every part that the eye can cover4 ,man is indeed nothing2 and yet he is the whole--a mere speck1 a point1 and yet ,god himself in the aggregate4 ,,dr4 ,,john ,w4 ,,francis4 ,,the ,,influence ,,of ,,mind ,,upon ,,matter1 ,,and ,,the ,,causes ,,of ,,insanity ,,and ,,the ,,various ,,diseases ,,which ,,afflict ,,humanity ,,at ,,the ,,present ,,day4 ,the rude nations of the earth believed that disease was the result of evil spiritual agencies1 and the untutored savage1 without the aid of books or any of the advantages which the learned physician possesses of studying the human system1 arrived at the conclusion that disease was inflicted by living1 unseen individualities4 ,science has discarded that idea4 ,it has dissected the human body1 and1 finding the result of the diseases1 has assumed to have found the cause2 assumed that it is mere bodily disarrangement4 ,yet any intelligent physician will tell you that in his own experience he has witnessed the effect of mind upon the body2 that he can give a bread pill to a patient1 informing him that it is a purgative1 and it will act in that manner2 that a certain powder will create nausea or a burning sensation1 and it will produce those results when the powder itself is harmless4 ,as the body1 if permitted to decay1 comes to be infested with vermin1 so the spirit1 if allowed to remain idle and inactive1 will become infested by spiritual vermin which will taint and destroy it2 and the savage idea that disease is caused by spiritual agency is correct4 ,if an individual permit any one idea to obtain predominance1 and he dwell upon that idea to the exclusion of other thoughts1 he will attract spirits who fill the air--not organized spiritual beings who inhabit the spirit world1 but half-organized beings 7polypus7 who live in this atmosphere and were originated from the brains and the physical organisms of the inhabitants of the earth2 these beings1 finding his mind concentrated or magnetized to a point1 will effect an entrance4 ,suppose1 for instance the person centres his mind upon the loss of a friend or of money3 this concentration becomes a magnet1 which1 like the rays of sunlight acting upon a portion of vegetation1 produces decomposition upon which spirit vermin may feed4 ,so by dwelling too continuously upon one thought1 certain faculties of the mind become excited by constant action1 while others become paralyzed and the result is insanity4 ,now spiritualists1 or believers in spirit intercourse1 should be the most healthy persons in the community1 for they understand1 or should understand1 the laws of psychology which teach that constant dwelling upon one thought will bring spirits of like character who will intensify that thought1 and they also know that they have but to use their will and the whole magnetic relations will change and a new influence will be brought to bear4 ,tell a man he has heart disease1 make him believe it1 and his heart will beat like a sledge-hammer4 ,tell him his liver is diseased1 make him believe it1 and he will feel bilious and look bilious4 ,tell a man he looks well1 compliment him upon his appearance1 and he will feel well1 look spruce1 and his spirits will become elastic4 ,it has been a matter of surprise to some why the spirits have taken such an interest in the science of medicine1 and why they have developed so many as healers4 ,it is that they may teach man that disease is generally a magnetic condition2 and they hope to teach the community1 through those physicians whom they develop1 to discard drugs and rely upon magnetic influences and the power of the will to keep the body in its normal condition of health4 ,too much stress cannot be laid upon the power of the will in dispelling disease1 and in expelling it4 ,a diseased patient may be likened to a medium who is possessed by a spiritual being of low order4 ,the very low condition of the spirit causes him to adhere and cling to the medium1 and unless the will is directed to exorcise him1 he will keep his subject continually under his influence and the proper individuality of the person will be annihilated4 ,thus1 disease1 like an evil spirit1 takes its hold upon an individual1 and can only be overthrown from its position by a strong will1 which sends it shrinking away like a criminal from the body it has infested4 ,if the will of the patient is not sufficiently strong1 then the will of some good friend must be used4 ,these good friends are known as healing mediums4 ,also a change of air and scene should be obtained1 which brings the will into a new action1 and thus dislodges the tenant4 ,the will is like a sharp two-edged sword1 which cuts right and left1 and leaves no chance for skulking to anything to which it has directed its power4 ,i will close my remarks by repeating that the savage is right in his belief1 and that disease is indeed the result of--,i might call them spiritual harpies1 who1 though they may not in these civilized times be driven out by the beating of drums1 the tom-tom1 and the howling of frenzied savages1 yet can be dislodged by kindred manipulations1 such as mesmeric passes1 deep breathing1 and a positive though almost quiet exercise of the will4 ,some of my brethren of the profession will be surprised to find these views advanced by one whom they believe held more rational opinions on earth2 but there are others whose keen intellects have pierced through the wisdom of the schools1 and have discovered that the physics they have concocted1 when applied to the complex mechanism of the human system1 in palliating the disorders of one function disarrange some half a dozen others1 and that the soul and the body are so interblended that we must heal a disease of the body through and in conjunction with the spirit1 its counterpart4 ,,adelaide ,,procter4 ,,the ,,spirit ,,bride4 ,you told me you loved me1 and vowed of old1 ,when you reached that land of jasper and gold1 ,to me you'd return in the hush of night1 ,and show me a glimpse of your land of light4 ,i sit in the shadows1 and wearily wait ,to see you throw open the starry gate3 ,through my golden ringlets the chill winds blow1 ,while ,i watch your coming through falling snow4 ,how long must ,i wait8 ,are you ling'ring where ,the blue-eyed angels your sweet kisses share8 ,is your home so radiant that never more ,your steps will be heard at my lowly door8 ,ah6 what do ,i see through my blinding tears8--,what misty form through the tempest appears8 ,a cold hand now touches my burning brow1 ,a low voice whispers1 8,i am near thee now40 ,bend low--let me kiss thee1 thou viewless thing2 ,no rising passion thy cold lips bring2 ,but hushed is the throb of my burning heart ,as upward he bears me--no more to part4 ,,the ,,end4